Advocacy is defined as any action that speaks in favor of, recommends,
argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others. It
encompasses a broad range of activities aimed at influencing public opinion and
policy.Missouri Foundation for Health+1Ultragenyx Patient
Advocacy+1
🔍 Advocacy vs. Lobbying
While lobbying is a form of advocacy, not all advocacy is lobbying. Lobbying
specifically refers to activities that attempt to influence legislation,
whereas advocacy includes a wider array of actions such as public education,
community organizing, and more.Missouri Foundation for Health
🛠️ Examples of Advocacy Activities
The fact sheet outlines various advocacy activities, including:
- Organizing: Building grassroots power, such as the
Center for Intercultural Organizing in Portland, OR, which mobilizes
immigrant and refugee communities.Missouri Foundation for Health
- Educating Legislators: Providing information on
issues, exemplified by NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin's distribution of fact
sheets to state legislators.Missouri Foundation for Health
- Public Education on the Legislative Process: Introducing
communities to their legislators, like Utah Issues' annual Citizens Day at
the state capitol.Missouri Foundation for Health
- Research: Producing reports to inform and dispel
myths, such as the California Immigrant Policy Center's report on
immigrants and the U.S. healthcare system.
- Organizing Rallies: Mobilizing for causes,
demonstrated by the Fair Immigration Reform Movement's rally in
Washington, D.C.
- Regulatory Efforts: Engaging with agencies to
enforce or change regulations, as seen with CASA of Maryland's work with
the state's Motor Vehicle Administration.
- Public Education: Holding community forums on
pertinent issues, like Rights for All People's discussions on immigration.
- Nonpartisan Voter Education and Mobilization: Encouraging
civic participation, exemplified by CARECEN of Los Angeles and the
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
- Educational Conferences: Gathering to network and
plan, such as the National Council of La Raza's annual conference.
- Training: Teaching organizing skills, like the
United States Student Association's Grassroots Organizing Weekends.
- Litigation: Using legal action to support causes,
demonstrated by El Centro Humanitario para los Trabajadores' efforts to
recover unpaid wages.Katz+2Missouri Foundation for Health+2Recovery
Iowa+2
- Lobbying: Advocating for or against specific
legislation, as the Florida Immigrant Coalition does to support in-state
tuition for undocumented students.
📈 Getting Involved in Advocacy
Summarize it for younger audiences or students
Extract key
definitions and examples for a presentation or worksheet
Create a
comparison chart of advocacy vs. lobbying
Suggest ways
your group or class could take advocacy actions
What Is Advocacy?
Definition: Advocacy means standing up for a cause, issue, or group. It
involves actions that influence decisions in society—especially in policy, law,
and public opinion.
🔍 Key Types of Advocacy
- Self-Advocacy – Speaking up for yourself
- Peer Advocacy – Supporting others in your community
- Public Advocacy – Raising awareness through
campaigns, petitions, media
- Legal Advocacy – Using the legal system to protect
rights
- Policy Advocacy – Working to change laws or policies
⚖️ Legal Aspects of Advocacy
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- Human Rights Act 1998: Protects freedom of
expression and peaceful protest
- Equality Act 2010: Supports advocacy for
anti-discrimination
- Lobbying Act 2014: Regulates campaigning during
elections
- Charity Law: Allows charities to campaign on issues
if it supports their purpose
🔹 Note: Advocacy is legal but must be peaceful and respectful of others’
rights.
🇺🇸 United States
- First Amendment: Protects freedom of speech,
assembly, and petition
- 501(c)(3) Law: Nonprofits can advocate, but lobbying
must be limited
- Lobbying Disclosure Act (1995): Regulates lobbying
activities and requires registration
- Civil Rights Acts: Support advocacy for equality and
anti-discrimination
🔹 Note: Advocacy is broadly protected, but organizations must follow
lobbying rules.
📚 Examples of Advocacy in Action
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🎯 Classroom or Workplace Activities |
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- Role Play: Act out a meeting with a policymaker
- Debate: Choose a current issue and argue for change
- Poster or Social Media Campaign: Design advocacy
materials
- Guest Speaker: Invite a local advocate or
MP/Representative
Printable
Handout: “What Is Advocacy?” – UK & USA Edition
🗣️ What Is Advocacy?
Advocacy means standing
up for a cause or helping others have their voice heard. It includes
actions that influence public opinion, laws, and decision-making.
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Printable Handout: “What Is Advocacy?” – UK & USA
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🗣️ What Is Advocacy? |
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Advocacy
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📌 Types of Advocacy |
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