WHAT
IS ADVOCACY?
Promoting, Dignity, Equality and Self-Determination
Washington Protection & Advocacy System
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Table of Contents:
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Types of AdvocacyThere is no "best approach" to solving an advocacy problem. An effective advocate uses those techniques which are most effective in each situation. Each advocacy situation is unique and relationships of the parties are unique. The experienced advocate will gather facts, confer with others, analyze the situation and determine the most effective method of intervention. Depending on how the situation develops, the strategy and techniques of the advocate may change. There are a variety of activities which fall within general self-advocacy techniques, which allow individuals to bring about resolution of their own concerns. Self-advocates gather advice and information and take action to resolve a particular issue. Self-advocacy skill training, publications, and information and referral lines commonly support self-advocacy. When self-advocates feel their efforts aren't enough to resolve an issue, mediation techniques may bring both parties to a settlement which works. Ideally, both parties emerge from mediation with an agreement and a working relationship. In some cases, an individual can obtain a satisfactory resolution by using an agency complaint and grievance process. Particularly where a public service is involved, there is usually a grievance process which can be used. Advocates can also seek help from regulatory agencies. Regulatory agencies, broadly defined, include agencies which are required by law to oversee a service or facility, but also those who contract with others to provide a service. If an advocate is seeking to have a problem corrected, the agency or individual responsible for enforcing regulations or a contract can be helpful. Where serious concerns aren't addressed, an advocate may seek legal assistance to take the concern through the administrative hearing or civil court process. This can be costly. However, sometimes free legal services or volunteer lawyers can be found. Where the law isn't addressing a problem, or public resources aren't adequate, legislative action may be necessary. For advocates who know how to work effectively with the press, print and electronic media bring issues to the attention of the public. This may help individuals who suffer injustice, and also address larger public issues. However, the media are independent, and won't necessarily read a situation as you do. Care must be taken to avoid unfavorable publicity. Sometimes, protest and civil disobedience calls attention to issues, and places pressure on officials to make needed changes. Peaceful and orderly public protest is protected by the constitution. Civil disobedience, on the other hand, is the violation of the law to make a point or generate sympathy for a cause. It can be effective, as it was in the civil rights era, but those involved must be willing to risk fines and even jail to make their point. Community advocacy - also known as "systems advocacy" - is another important function of the advocate. Systems advocacy influences social and political systems to bring about changes for the benefit of groups of people.
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Washington Protection &
Advocacy System
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