1) A solid plan of action with the steps you need to get to your win— Freshwater Future can help you with that!
2) Resources to invest—time, talent and money (not necessarily your own money!)
3) Ability to get out the facts that support your position—and make sure they are translated into easily understandable language.
4) Support from others that you are on the right track—in particular support from groups that are concerned about similar issues with whom you can work.
5) Connections with capacity building groups such as Freshwater Future and other resources to help you when you need it.