What is Advocacy?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the word; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.”

- Margaret Mead

What is advocacy?

• Self-Advocacy (action on your own behalf)
• Individual Advocacy (acting on your own, for any cause)
• Systems Change or Community Advocacy (acting to change the way things are done within agencies, organizations or government). One form of Community Advocacy is Political Action.

→ Ask for what you want
(If you ask you might not get it; if you don’t ask, you certainly will not.) Talk to someone who has the power to make a change. Eg: asking to talk to the supervisor or person in charge

→ Take action
Make a phone call
Send an email, or send a letter - always sign it!

→ Use the media
Write a letter to the editor or a newsletter article on an issue to inform & mobilize
Talk to the media (news reporter, radio announcer, etc.)

→ Talk to a policy-maker
City Councilwoman, Mayor, State Legislator, U.S. Congressman
Testifying at public hearings & meetings (AzDAC can show you how)

→ Join a policy-making body, like …
A governmental council or commission
An organization’s Board of Directors

→ Use your civil rights
Learn your rights and responsibilities
Filing an appeal or grievance when you don’t agree with a service provider’s decision
Filing an ADA complaint with the AZ Attorney General or U.S. Department of Justice

→ Get involved with your political party at the local level
Volunteer on a political campaign
Start or sign a petition

→ Join or organize a rally, press conference or demonstration

→ Register to vote… and vote!
 
 

Advocacy Tips

• Showing up is half the battle.
• Find a group. Everyone is unique, everyone has different skills – there is something for everybody to do. You don’t have to do it alone - If it is a concern to you, it is most likely a concern for others too.
• There are “shy” self-advocates.
• Remember you’re worth it!  You are valuable.