The Gatekeeper Problem — When Advocates Block the Change They Claim to Support

Not all resistance comes from the institution. Sometimes the bottleneck is inside the movement. Here’s how to spot gatekeeping, protect your momentum, and keep moving without burning out.

≈ 7–12 minute read
Safety-led & strategy-first

You’ve mapped power, built pressure, told the story — and then an insider says, “Not like that. Not now.” Momentum stalls, not because the agency pushed back, but because someone “on your side” did. In SSA terms, that’s a gatekeeping event.

This guide reframes gatekeeping as a workflow problem. Use the 6-step plan to route around blockers and reach a real decision-maker.

What Is a Gatekeeper in Advocacy?

A gatekeeper holds positional power (formal or informal) and controls who gets heard, what gets prioritised, and how fast change moves. They may be senior staff, sector representatives, academics, or long-time insiders who claim to “speak for” a broader group.

They rarely say “don’t speak.” They say “not like that, not now, not here.” Often they’re protecting access, reputation, or institutional rhythm — not outcomes.

Policy-aware
Path-sensitive
Evidence-first
Trauma-informed

Case Example: Community Inclusion & the Cost of Delay

Landmark rulings and public wins can stall in implementation when organisations protect relationships or reputations over outcomes. SSA’s lesson: policy means nothing without pressure. Plan for follow-through, not just headlines.

Your 6-Step Anti-Gatekeeping Plan

0 of 6 steps completed
1

Name the decision and the decider

~1 min
Identify the decision and decision-maker

✓ Be specific

  • Outcome: “Approve by DD/MM.”
  • Decider: role/title that can actually say “yes”.
  • Subject you can reuse: [Request-01] Approve by DD/MM — evidence attached
2

Spot the gatekeeping pattern

~1–2 min
Recognise deflection patterns

✓ Label and route

  • “Wait your turn”, “not our process”, “we’re already on it”, “too aggressive”.
  • Respond once. Then route to policy + risk + decider.
  • Keep a single-line log of each deflection.
3

Assemble Minimum Viable Evidence (MVE)

~2–3 min
Evidence pack for decision-makers

✓ Decision-grade, not perfect

  • One-page summary + attachments (photos/logs/letters/quotes).
  • Show risk if refused (safety, duty of care, participation).
  • File names: YYYY-MM-DD_context_item.pdf

Optional: SSA MVE Worksheet (PDF)

4

Use the SSA redirect script (bypass the bottleneck)

~2 min
Structured script

✓ Paste-ready message

  1. Context: “I’m requesting by DD/MM due to .”
  2. Policy: “This aligns with .”
  3. Ask: “Please forward to the role who can approve (title) or share their contact.”
  4. Attachments: “Summary + evidence attached; table below.”

Mini table: Item • Qty • Cost • Evidence link • Outcome measure.

5

Build your own platform (don’t fight for scraps)

~1–2 min
Create independent channels

✓ Parallel tracks

  • If they won’t share the mic, create your own channel (statement page, briefing, media, community forum).
  • Log their positioning; gatekeepers often rewrite their role later.
  • Find collaborators willing to move at the pace of urgency.
6

Escalate safely (complaint or external route)

~1–2 min
Safe escalation

✓ Keep it calm & documented

  • Forward the same pack (summary + evidence) up one level.
  • Use trauma-informed language; do not apologise for safety needs.
  • If blocked, switch to a formal complaint or relevant external body; bring an advocate.

Tools, Downloads & Supports

SSA Anti-Gatekeeping Pack

  • One-page request template (DOCX): Download
  • AAC “Please route to decision-maker” card (PNG): Download

Ask an Advocate

Final note: Gatekeeping isn’t strategy — it’s control. You don’t need anyone’s approval to keep moving.

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