At its heart, advocacy means helping you to get your voice heard by people in power.
It’s a way to ensure that you can:
- understand important issues that affect you
- express your views
- stand up for your rights, and
- be involved in key legislative decisions.
Your voice is amplified when advocacy brings together a community of like-minded people to create a movement for change.
It works to spotlight the perspective of the group to the wider public and politicians, and directly influence key policy decisions.
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela
Advocacy uses hard-hitting, evidence-backed campaigns to change the perception of governments and politicians around a political or social issue.
These can include:
Public education - providing accurate information to the public to raise awareness of the issue and dispel any myths.
Lobbying - identifying who the key decision-makers are and influencing them through, for example, targeted mass letter-writing, social media interactions and petitions.
Grassroots activities - bringing members of the group together for online and in-person events. Keeping them informed of upcoming legislative battles and how they can play an active part.
Advocacy plays a critical role in protecting the rights of people who might otherwise be dismissed or ignored, and ensuring they are not marginalised or unfairly discriminated against.
It creates a strong sense of community and solidarity by providing a platform to meet others in a similar situation and share stories.
Crucially, advocacy ensures that you have your say in decisions that will directly affect your life. It supports you and acts on your behalf - it’s by your side and on your side.
