I am an Advocate

When people ask me about the work that I do, and I need to summarize things into a simple phrase, I tell them that I am an advocate for folks at risk of being devalued. This is a simple overview, but seems to work. But digging deeper it begs a basic question - what is advocacy?

An advocate is defined as one who speaks on behalf of others. Certainly this defines a part of advocacy - acting for another’s cause, but I believe the notion of advocacy is more encompassing. The most basic form of advocacy is speaking for yourself. So, as an advocate you can work toward changing your own reality, as well as speaking out for others.

The dimension of bringing an advocate into the situation can take some of the subjectivity out of your advocacy equation. In focusing on others the advocate is usually somewhat removed from the person in need. Often we do this form of advocacy for friends or associates who need or request representation.

Sometimes, however, the situation is either complex or deeply serious. In these cases, we might need to call in a professional advocate. This is someone who has some specific skills or certification, like an attorney, or social worker. Professional advocates have skills such as: Research, Strategy Development, Recruitment of Key Specialists, Monitoring of Timing and Actions, Evaluation of Success, and other types of special skills.

So, regardless of the issue, whenever an injustice occurs and mediation is not successful or possible, advocacy is often the next step. If you represent yourself, another person, or are hired to represent someone, there are key common features that can be brought to bare to find a resolution that is fair and reasonable.