What is advocacy and why is it important?
Advocacy is support in action. It means speaking up about something that matters to you. Whether it’s your own voice or the voices of others you’re elevating, advocacy is about pushing for change – locally, provincially or nationally.
Your voice matters. It can create real change.
What is an advocate?
An advocate is anyone who takes a stand, speaks out, and takes action on behalf of themselves or others or an issue they care about. They give voice to issues impacting communities, they are the champions of causes that need attention, and the change-makers who push for progress. Whether you are supporting yourself, addressing a local concern, or fighting for fairness, your efforts count!
Real Change is Possible
Change happens when people come together and speak out. In 2023, public pressure, including rallies and petitions, led to the reversal of the Ontario government’s Greenbelt development plan, protecting the environment, agriculture, and Indigenous rights. More recently, Guelph and Kitchener got weekend GO train service after years of petitions, letters and meetings. In Guelph, we’re building new supportive housing units thanks to advocacy by our frontline service providers and community-minded businesses.
Where do I start?
Here is a handy checklist for getting started on your advocacy journey:
- Find your “why?”
Identify your cause. What is important to you and why? Is it the environment? Education? Mental health? Poverty reduction? What do you believe needs to change in your community?
- Be specific!
What about your chosen issue do you want to focus on? Do your research and make it as specific as possible. For example, an increase in rates for ODSP recipients.
- Narrow it down – Use your 5 Ws!
Clarify your plan:
- Who is affected?
- What change do you want?
- Where will it take place?
- When should it happen?
Starting with specific, manageable asks help to set you up for success.
- Finalize your goal
Based on narrowing down your cause, find your goal statement.
Completed all your steps? Congratulations! You are ready to progress to the next stage of your advocacy journey!
Advocacy, here we come!
Now that you have your cause and your goal, you are ready for action.
| Action Item | Purpose |
| Do your research! | Be informed and increase credibility |
| Find other people, groups and organizations with similar causes. | Build support, increase your knowledge and power in numbers, and volunteer. |
| Traditional Media. Talk to newspapers, journalists, write an op-ed. | Increase awareness of your cause, put pressure on agencies and government, influence opinions. |
| Contact your local agency or government representative (agency leadership, city councilor, MPP or MP) by phone, email or in person. | Increase awareness, advocate for change, influence, influence opinion, learn about agency/government processes. |
| Social Media. Make a social media post or video, write a blog. | Increase awareness of your cause quickly, build momentum and connections between people/movements. |
| Public demonstration such as a rally, protest or town hall. | Increase awareness, build connections and show that others care. Ensure you are familiar with safety protocols for public action and local laws. |
| Start a petition. | Build awareness, show government representatives that others care about this too, potential to impact policy or legislation. |
Working through roadblocks:
Advocacy can be equal parts rewarding and challenging. Rejections, exhaustion, and moments of doubt are normal parts of the process.
Here are some tips to keep going:
- Rejections are not a reflection of your cause, but often just a part of the larger struggle for change. True change takes time and every step matters.
- Take care of yourself! Take breaks, be honest with yourself about how much you can do and discover what recharges you.
- Find your people – they will lift you up and keep you going on the hard days.
- Remember your why. Your voice is important and needed!
Final Thoughts
Advocacy can feel overwhelming, but every action (big or small) makes a difference. Real change happens when people like you speak up and take action.
Your voice is powerful. Lets get started.