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Successful Advocacy has common characteristics, many approaches . . .
Have you successfully resolved a disability-rights issue thanks to your advocacy approach? Washington Protection and Advocacy System would like to publish advocacy success stories in Envoy On-Line. If you have a success story to share that would benefit others, send it to WPAS either by mail or e-mail! Our mailing address is listed at the bottom of this page!
June 25, 2001
Advocacy - Change for the Better
Progress – change for the better – would not happen without advocacy. It is the tool we use in our democracy to bring about improvements. People with disabilities have seen major changes in laws, the service system and public attitudes in recent years. Communities have begun to see that people with disabilities have a right to fully participate in all aspects of life. This awakening began, with great effort and behind-the-scenes preparation, because people with disabilities have decided for themselves it is time to use advocacy for change.
Advocacy is problem-solving used to:
- Protect rights or change unfair discriminatory or abusive treatment to fair, equal and humane treatment.
- Improve services, gain eligibility for services or change the amount or quality of services to better meet the needs of an individual.
- Remove barriers which prevent access to full participation in community life.
Advocacy is not:
- Substituting your beliefs as an advocate for the beliefs of others.
- Creating conflict for its own sake.
- A chance to get even for past wrongs done to you.
- An opportunity to make yourself feel powerful at the expense of others.
Styles of Advocacy
Advocates and advocacy styles vary widely, but there are some characteristics all good advocates have in common. Here is a list of traits to help ensure advocacy is a success.
1) OBJECTIVITY
An advocate listens and evaluates information objectively. As an advocate, you
must know and recognize your own prejudices and tendencies. How effective you
are as an advocate will in large part be determined by the degree of objectivity
you can bring to a situation.
The degree of confidence or suspicion you have in the system, and your belief
in the potential of positive change, will affect your approach to advocacy and
how you interpret situations and issues you encounter. Think about what your
attitudes are toward the system - individuals, providers, agencies, service
consumers - and constantly reexamine your attitudes in the light of what you
see.
2) INDEPENDENCE
To effectively and credibly advocate for others you must exercise independent
judgment.
3) SENSITIVITY AND UNDERSTANDING
An advocate conveys interest and empathy. You will get more information and a
more accurate reading of what others want if you can communicate that you are
listening. Good communication skills are essential.
4) PERSISTENCE AND PATIENCE
An advocate is determined and secure enough in your position to weather storms, deal with setbacks, and maintain energy over time.
5) KNOWLEDGE AND JUDGMENT
You must understand what to ask for, whom to ask, and be able to exercise
judgment about what is reasonable, and what isn’t. Knowledge and judgment
develop over time, with experience.
6) ASSERTIVENESS
An advocate is polite, but firm. You need to have a good working relationship with others, but they must not control you.
7) ETHICS AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS
An advocate respects the privacy and confidentiality of others, and respects the basic rules of ethical conduct, to be effective and to maintain credibility.
Advocates must:
 | Be culturally sensitive. |
| Provide language accommodations. |
| Provide disability accommodations. |
| Adhere to a code of confidentiality. |
| Refrain from abusive conduct. |
| Be trustworthy and honest. |
| Resolve personal conflicts of interest. |
While advocates have these things in common, there is no recipe for an advocate, or for an advocacy approach. One may be reserved or shy, or one may be outspoken and direct but both can be effective advocates. Based on personality and experiences, everyone has comfort zones and unique approaches to solving problems. Advocacy styles change and develop and acquire flexibility with experience.
What is Your Advocacy Style?
Understanding your style will help you examine the techniques you want to use in your problem-solving approaches. While there is no ideal style, some styles are more effective in particular circumstances. With experience, you will find the techniques that complement your personality and help you define your style, and your role as an advocate. With which statements do you identify most closely? What is your advocacy style?
I challenge others openly when they make inaccurate comments or say something inappropriate.
I prefer immediate responses to problems.
I work really hard to look at all sides of the problem before I offer input.
I value opinions that are different than my own.
I challenge others privately when they make inaccurate or inappropriate statements.
I really try to put myself in others’ shoes.
I offer immediate feedback, even when I know others may not like what I have to say.
I make it very clear to others what is acceptable and not acceptable to me.
I believe there are two sides to every issue and try to look at them both.
When I see someone being taken advantage of, I am compelled to do something about it right away.
I’m more comfortable filing a complaint in writing.
I’m more comfortable filing a complaint in person.
I’m a pretty softhearted person.
I like to take the bull by the horns.
I prefer to discuss alternatives informally.
I’m very organized and would closely document advocacy proceedings.
There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, but by answering them honestly, you can come to a better understanding of your personal strengths and weaknesses as an advocate.
More information on advocacy and putting together an advocacy plan can be found in the publication, Advocacy Strategies, published by WPAS. Contact us if you want a copy of this publication.
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