What Is Advocacy?

 

The power of your story may not lie in its drama, but in its absolutely perfect relationship to your cause. ― John Capecci and Timothy Cage

Advocacy seeks to ensure that people, particularly those who are most vulnerable in society, are able to:

• Have their voice heard on issues that are important to them.
• Defend and safeguard their rights.
• Have their views and wishes genuinely considered when decisions are being made about their lives.

Anyone can be an advocate.

What Advocacy IS NOT:

• Posting or liking political posts
• Commenting on Social Media
• “Slacktivism” or slacker activism: feel-good measures in support of an issue or social cause

Advocacy is taking ACTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENGAGING IN THE PROCESS

Ways to have your voice heard and be in involved:

• Connecting With Representative’s phones, texts, e-mails
• Testifying at Hearings
• Attending Advocacy Days on Specific Issues
• Lobbying your Reps & Committees

 

 

 

WHO ARE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

Become part of the 20% of Americans that contact their elected officials. You can contact them about any issue or topic that is important to you.

• Click Here to Find Your Representatives
• Click Here to Find Your House Member Representative
• Click Here to Find Your State Senator

How Does A Bill Become A Law

• Legislator drafts bill language
• Bill receives a number and is assigned to a committee
• A committee hearing is held to discuss the bill and listen to public comment
• If a bill passes, it goes to the whole chamber for a vote
• Bill is sent to the other chamber; goes through the same process
• If bill passes both chambers, it then goes to the governor, who either signs or vetoes the bill. A veto can be overridden