As you peruse my web site you will notice that no matter what I do I do it all in the name of Advocacy.
According to the dictionary advocacy is “the act of promoting or defending a cause by argument” or speaking up for another who cannot speak up for himself.  Another definition for advocacy is defined as “a non-violent process of empowerment and support, through which people who are adversely affected by an issue or policy can constructively express dissatisfaction and contribute creative solutions to problems.”

For me, advocacy includes teaching others to speak up for themselves. Most people stand up for a person and/or cause close to himself. Others, like me, want to advocate for every person who needs it. This is not realistic. It is necessary to focus energy, time and health on those people/causes closest to us.

I wish there was a different word to use instead of advocacy. People respond negatively to the word ‘advocacy’ thinking it means lobby. Although advocacy, activism and lobby are on a spectrum, there are differences.  Advocacy begins with an individual and moves to a group. The one or many generate interest in a cause through awareness and education.  Activists try to bring about change by building on the awareness and education to promote a change that benefits those needing change. Activism is “pursuing a policy of a cause with vigorous action.” The emphasis is on the words ‘vigorous action’. Lobbying is the attempt to influence legislation in favor of some interest. A lobbyist seeks to persuade a Member of Parliament through interviews and research papers to support a motion or bill favoring the lobbyist’s particular interest.

* For a more detailed explanation on self - advocacy go to the Frequently Asked Questions section of my web site.