Stand up for justice

To be an advocate means to speak up, to plead the case of another, or to champion a cause. Over the next few days, we’ll explore what this means and how it impacts your life.

Usually advocacy involves bringing influence to bear in order to win change. It is something most of us do routinely on behalf of ourselves, our families, our neighbors and our friends.

Policy advocacy is no different, except that the advocacy may be on behalf of people we don’t personally know, and those being influenced work with laws, public programs, or court decisions. That includes anyone in a public policy–making role (like county commissioner, state legislator, or government employee).

Policy advocacy can be useful at all levels of government. One way or another, legislators, government agencies, and the courts all affect the quality of life for those who live and work here. But sometimes it takes the actions of an advocate to help everything work as it should.

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.

Tomorrow: Making a positive difference

This message was adapted from the “Stand Up for Justice” resource available from Women of the ELCA.