Three Types of Advocacy
Case Advocacy
- Listen
- Give the youth the opportunity to make their own case; self-advocate
- Help them to access legitimate authority
- Equalize power base
- Reinforce staff / management to use their authority appropriately; to act responsibly
- Bring reality to the situation
- Persist with the youth in a consistent manner until meaningful resolution is gained
- Teach youth skilful ways to disagree with people; role model appropriate dispute resolution
- Create safety, put in place safeguards
- Follow up with youth and staff
System Advocacy
Systems Advocacy, with a small "s", refers to advocacy initiatives in the context of organizations/agencies or community that will influence programs and practices to benefit children/youth. All systems advocacy is generated by case advocacy. When it is clear that policies and practice in agencies interfere with the quality of life and development of children and youth, then systemic advocacy is required.
Policy Advocacy
Policy advocacy refers to advocacy tactics, strategies and initiatives which target changes to policies and legislation. These advocacy initiatives seek to establish new policies, improve existing policies or challenge the development of policies that diminish resources and opportunities for vulnerable groups of people such as children and youth. Policy generally refers to 'social' policy. Policy advocacy usually seeks to engage various sectors of the government which includes: public servants, bureaucrats, political appointees, elected officials and legislators. All policy advocacy should be generated by case and 's' systems advocacy.
DEFINITION OF POLICY ADVOCACY
"The means by which oppressive systems, policies, and laws that negatively affect labelled groups are challenged and changed"