Advocacy is an important part of community change. It allows community members to mobilize, rally around a common cause, and unite to make a positive change. But what exactly is advocacy? And how can you participate?
Advocacy can simply be defined as “publicly supporting a cause or policy.” Advocacy work isn’t only reserved for federal or state-level laws. In fact, some of the most important changes arguably occur in smaller communities at the grassroots level. Often, those smaller, localized efforts can lead to larger, more sweeping changes.
The best part about advocacy is that everyone can do it. Advocacy can take different forms, and all are important. Advocacy activities can include everything from educating other community members, talking to elected officials, networking and forming connections, and even storytelling. If you want to become an advocate, below are some great ways to get involved:
- Write an Op-ed or Letter to the Editor and submit it to your local paper. This is an effective way to bring attention to a particular issue or topic affecting your community.
- Organize a community event or rally. Gathering people to raise awareness for your cause or issue can build excitement and help with momentum for future work.
- Attend local government meetings to be aware of what’s currently going on in the community. This can include city council meetings, local town halls, and even school board meetings.
- Vote! Voting is a simple yet effective way to get involved. Download the GeauxVote app to get informed before you vote.
If you want to learn more about advocacy check out resources from our 2024 Annual Summit. This year’s theme was “Community Unmute: Finding Your Voice” and featured experts in the field of public health, community development, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and local government. Hear in-depth discussions about how community organizations have successfully worked together to assess the needs of their community and how local organizations/coalitions have advocated for healthy change in their communities.
Watch the recording of this year’s summit here. Please sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on future summits, and other training opportunities.