If you’ve dropped by here before, you probably know that the topic of advocacy pops up quite often. While my focus has primarily been on mental health advocacy, I think we should take a somewhat broader view of advocacy and who can be an effective advocate.
You can find lots of definitions of advocacy but my simple one is that advocacy involves getting informed and getting involved to make a difference. By that definition, I think just about everyone can be an advocate in their own way in their own little corner of the world.
Let’s get more specific about this. We need to think more broadly about how and where we can express our advocacy efforts. Here are several ways I thought of to easily get involved in advocacy:
Charities. This one is obvious. Give money or time to a charitable organization which is already set up to provide aid and assistance to a wide variety of individuals, groups and causes.
Faith organizations. Churches and other faith-based groups do lots and lots of advocacy in many ways through their programs and services. Offer to lend them a hand.
Schools. If you are a teacher, educator, or parent of a child in a school or college, you have a ready platform for your advocacy. Help teach our kids positive values and support educational programs which help youth and families who are in need.
Mentoring. Whether it’s helping a young person, supporting an early career employee, or just lending your knowledge and expertise wherever it’s needed, the world needs good mentors to educate, encourage and serve as positive role models.
Social media. One tweet or post can indeed make a difference. Share advocacy information through your favorite social media channels, connect with other advocates, or just promote worthwhile causes and organizations.
Public service. Volunteer to serve on a committee or board at school, work, or in your local area. These groups are always looking for more help. Or take that larger step and run for a public office where you can have even more influence in changing policies and laws that can bring about positive change on a larger scale.
Writing. If you’re into writing, organize your advocacy thoughts and ideas and share them through opinion pieces, newsletter articles, or online. There are many great outlets that would gladly publish your contributions.
Help someone nearby. Sometimes the most powerful advocacy is right in your own backyard. Help a family member, friend, or neighbor with a simple task that will make their life better in some small way.
I hope these ideas show how advocacy is something we can all do in ways large or small, no matter what our skills, talents, background, and education may be. Yes, you do have to look around for advocacy opportunities and then commit a small amount of your time and energy to these efforts.
I think you’ll find that advocacy is doubly rewarding. You’ll not only help and empower someone else, but you will also gain personal satisfaction from knowing that you made a positive contribution. So go ahead. Get informed, get involved, and make a difference!
Here’s a question: What are some ways you have expressed your advocacy efforts? Please leave a comment. Also, please subscribe to my blog and feel free to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, “like” my Facebook page, or connect on LinkedIn. Finally, if you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend.