Becoming an advocate may seem like an overwhelming proposition. How does one even get started? If you want to make a positive difference for vulnerable people in your community, then you will need to start by taking three steps:
—Become informed. Getting the basic facts is the first step, and not very difficult.
—Become involved. It makes sense to want to act once you see a need. Many possibilities for involvement exist. You could volunteer at an existing program, attend a conference, or answer telephone inquiries at a referral line.
—Become an advocate. Advocating for a cause does not come easily to most people, but it offers the best hope for getting at why a problem exists in the first place. You can make calls or write letters. You can help design and carry out a campaign to educate voters. You can urge your governor to support adequate funding for programs. In short, you can take steps to ensure that real options will be available to meet the needs of your community.
Tomorrow: It’s easier than you think.
If you enjoy these bite-size installments and wish to explore the topic more in-depth, we encourage you to download the free resource in its entirety.
This message was adapted from the “Stand Up for Justice” resource available from Women of the ELCA.