Chapter 4 ADVOCACY IN SOCIAL WORK Learning Objectives A
A is for advocacy
1. A is for Advocacy: Becoming equipped to personally advocate for children and families Child Care Works Alicia Frosch CARE Class 6 Child Care Works / CARE Fellowship Class 6 - 2011
6. Could include many activities: lobbying, mobilization, education, research and networking.Child Care Works / CARE Fellowship Class 6 - 2011
7. What is Advocacy? To advocate for someone; to speak on their behalf Fighting for someone else’s rights; sticking up for them Everyone has done this in their life! Child Care Works / CARE Fellowship Class 6 - 2011
8. In order to be an advocate…you must have 2 things! A passionate desire and willingness to see the desired change! A sound understanding of the issue! Child Care Works / CARE Fellowship Class 6 - 2011
9. Benefits of advocacy The aim of advocacy is often the same as for other development work: to alleviate poverty and suffering, fight oppression, challenge injustice or support long-term sustainable development. However, development work is often not enough, because it DOES NOT tackle the root or deeper cause of the problem. Child Care Works / CARE Fellowship Class 6 - 2011
10. Benefits of advocacy, cont… Advocacy is therefore needed as it: Tackles root causes of poverty and injustice and brings long-term change Sees people as agents of change in their own community Can help to generate more resources for other development work Can change power structures and systems of injustice. Child Care Works / CARE Fellowship Class 6 - 2011
11. Types of Advocacy Professional Advocacy (lobbyist, hired staff person for an advocacy organization) Organizational Advocacy (working in collaboration with an advocacy organization) Personal Advocacy (personal communication, relationship building, educating others) Child Care Works / CARE Fellowship Class 6 - 2011
12. How do we already “advocate”? Neighborhood Colleagues Other school communities Professional organizations Faith organizations Where else? Child Care Works / CARE Fellowship Class 6 - 2011
13. Why now? Why me?Do I have to be “political?” I am concerned for children . . . I want to grow as a professional in my field . . . I want more meaning to my work . . . Child Care Works / CARE Fellowship Class 6 - 2011
14. Examples of Politicians’ Impact on Your Daily Life Your work safety: overseen by OSHA, which is directed by a Presidentialappointee When you turn on the lights: rates of electricity are approved by the Public Service Commission, appointed by the Governor If you’re laid off: unemployment compensation is set by the State Legislature The mattress you sleep on: regulated by the Federal Bureau of Standards, which is controlled by Congress We elect the people making these decisions! Child Care Works / CARE Fellowship Class 6 - 2011
15. Importance of Advocacy Examples: The importance of advocacy was clear in the 2003 budget cuts – more advocacy was needed Seniors: good example of an organized group; even in the budget-cutting year of 2003 senior programs were mostly protected; a direct impact of seniors being organized with strong relationships with their legislators Advocacy played a significant role in avoiding health cuts in 2005 (ex. Saving MnCARE) Advocacy was responsible for winning an increase to the state’s minimum wage in 2005 In 2006 & 2007 child care outcomes improved with increased advocacy efforts Child Care Works / CARE Fellowship Class 6 - 2011
16. Advocacy requires: Simply caring; stepping forward to take action Getting involved with the process Be informed about the issues Build a relationship with policymakers; become a resource to them Provide them with information Hold legislators accountable Child Care Works / CARE Fellowship Class 6 - 2011
17. Children depend on your advocacy Obviously, children can’t vote Children’s lives are impacted every day by policies we adults put into place Children need a voice in the process Children’s needs are immediate; they only have one childhood Child Care Works / CARE Fellowship Class 6 - 2011
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