WHAT
IS ADVOCACY?
Promoting, Dignity, Equality and Self-Determination
Washington Protection & Advocacy System
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Table of Contents:
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What make an advocate?1) ObjectivityAn 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) IndependenceTo effectively and credibly advocate for others you must exercise independent judgment. 3) Sensitivity & UnderstandingAn 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 & PatienceAn advocate is determined and secure enough in your position to weather storms, deal with setbacks, and maintain energy over time. 5) Knowledge & JudgmentYou 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) AssertivenessAn advocate is polite, but firm. You need to have a good working relationship with others, but they must not control you. 7) Ethics & Respect for OthersAn 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:
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Washington Protection &
Advocacy System
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