Strengthening Our Democracy With Advocacy
Published on 11/27/2023
“To be an activist is to speak. To be an advocate is to listen. Society cannot move forward without both.” Eva Lewis
Advocacy has many styles. One form is educating friends and family, the public and/or policymakers about an issue. Working to influence the public to support or oppose a policy or position is also advocacy. Lobbying is a form of advocacy that encourages legislators to take a position on an issue or specific legislation. Each of us can advocate in the way we feel comfortable.
Advocacy promotes problem solving. Efforts to solve issues help us to collaborate with different groups to build a stronger community. Through advocacy, we create a better educated society. People feel connected and stronger when they know that they are not alone. Advocacy helps non-profit organizations like the League of Women Voters to thrive. The public is more aware of us. Advocacy helps us reach our goals. It strengthens our democracy.
During Power the South, the LWVUS workshop on advocacy, we learned about prioritizing relationships. Our strength comes from our unity created by working together collectively and cooperatively with others. People who are most impacted by an issue know the most about it. We need to listen to them. Building relationships with leaders, marginalized people, and government officials benefits us all.
The words we use are critical. LWVUS is recommending we focus not on what's different about us, but what is the same. They are researching common vocabulary, learning about what words are unifying, rather than dividing or even triggering. While words are important, looking for common ground in feelings, values and/or goals can also help us to connect with others. We may both be angry about government control. Safety might be a common value with the gun issue. Reducing abortions could be a mutual goal.
Focusing on commonalities helps to bring people together to find the best and most stable solutions.
The beauty of our democratic system is we all have the right to advocate. Please use your voice!