As the author of the 7 Actions of Highly Effective Advocates pocket guide and a meetings industry veteran, I know it is important for one to protect and defend the issues that matter the most to oneself.
Advocacy is just that—the pursuit of influencing outcomes that directly affect people’s lives.
[Related: Tariff Talk With Voices in Advocacy's Roger Rickard]
These actions will help elevate your belief or cause to make a difference in your job, industry or community. You can do all of these, in any order, or just some of them.
1. Believe
You can make a difference. Willingness to fight for your beliefs, defend a cause, stand up, express your opinion or share your story; you have a choice to act purposefully. You have to believe that it matters if you take action.
2. Be Informed
Read and research. When you have a passion for something, you are driven to search out more information and opinions on the topic. Being informed enables you to effectively speak on behalf of your issue.
3. Discuss the Issues
Spread the word. Share your information amongst peer groups and friends. Talk with them and listen to their views about these issues.
4. Get on the Record
Write, speak out and act. Your passion or opinion about your cause and issue should be on the record. Your voice should be on the record!
[Related: Q&A: Meetings Advocacy With Roger Rickard]
5. Be a Resource
Provide expertise. Think of the knowledge and experience you can bring to the table. Your voice will be magnified as you earn your way toward social and political change by being a resource.
6. Volunteer
Play a part for the cause. One of the best commitments you can make is your time. Giving time, energy or talent to any individual or group for which the individual is not paid defines volunteerism.
7. Contribute
Donate money or time. You CAN make a difference when you commit dollars to organizations, campaigns, foundations and charities that support your cause. People who give contribute influence.
Read next: Roger Rickard Talks 2024 Election, Destination Boycotts and Advocacy
