What is Advocacy?

1
What is Advocacy?

• Minnesota Literacy Council
• February 4, 2004

2
Goals for Discussion

• Broaden our understanding of advocacy -
  Definitions
• Learn about types of advocacy
• How does this relate to me or my VISTA experience
  

3
Advocacy

• How would you define this?
• Where did you learn this definition?

4
Advocacy vs. Lobbying

• Advocacy The strategies devised, actions taken
  and solutions proposed to influence
  decision-making
• Lobbying Conducting activities aimed at
  influencing public officials and especially
  members of a legislative body to promote or
  secure the passage of legislation.
• Websters New Collegiate Dictionary

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The Good Definition

• Advocacy is arguing in favor of something such as
  a cause, idea or policy. One can engage in
  advocacy by meeting with a legislator on an
  important issue, writing an editorial for a
  newspaper, raising awareness for a cause at a
  community event, or even promoting an issue while
  having dinner with friends. Advocacy occurs when
  an individual engages in dialogue about an issue
  they care about. It can occur in many forms ---
  speaking out, letter writing, protesting, voting
  and even wearing a t-shirt that makes a
  statement.
• Cal State Fullerton Political Science Department

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Things to Consider

• Why do we advocate?
• What are we advocating for?
• To whom?

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Types of Advocacy

• Case Advocacy
• Administrative
• Legislative
• Media
• An Ounce of Prevention

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Case Advocacy

• Researching
• Documenting
• Bridging Gap between people and others who
  impact their lives
• Supporting
• Educating

9
Administrative Advocacy

• Relationship Building
• Networking
• Educating

10
Legislative Advocacy

• Communicating with Legislators, Executive Branch
• Testifying
• Relationship Building
• Bridging Gap - between government and people
• Educating

11
Media Advocacy

• Letter Writing
• Relationship Building
• Bridging Gap between people and media
• Educating

12
Interlocking Components

• Case----Administrative----Legislative----Media

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What are the common themes?

• Education
• Connection

14
Advocacy and You

• In what ways does your organization advocate?
• In what ways do you find yourself advocating in
  your work or life?
• What barriers exist to advocating?

15
Wrap-Up and Questions?

• THANKS!
• Bharti Wahi
• Children and Family Literacy Program Director
• Minnesota Literacy Council