CHILD ADVOCACY
Simple Steps to Effect Change in the lives of Children and Families
Advocacy is:
- Active support for a cause or position
- A verb-Requires action of some type
- Forming partnerships in support of a position or cause
- Forming partnerships with legislators and state administrations
- Informing elected officials and the community about a cause or position
- Empowering
- Another way to show you care about children and families
Advocacy is Not:
- Lobbying: a communication to legislators intended to influence specific legislation (pending or proposed) Source: Foraker Group
- Intended to alienate parties
- Intended to show disrespect for the opinions or views different from our own
- Intended to endorse or oppose a candidate
Lobbying:

Lobbying: a communication to legislators intended to influence specific legislation (pending or proposed) Source: Foraker Group
Programs RESTRICTED from lobbying include:
- Most non-profits
- All Federal and State Granted Programs
- Head Start and Early Head Start programs
- State Employees during work hours
- Federal Employees during work hours
- Any program which restricts lobbying activities in their personnel policies
What can I do if I fit in the restricted category?
You can STILL advocate – just follow these simple rules:
- Be sure you are not conducting advocacy activities when you are working or on-call.
- Be sure you are not using any means of work communicationtechnology such as computers, e-mail, phones or stationery.
- Do not represent your views as your program or work.
Who should Advocate:
- Parents/Family Members
- Friends / Community Members
- Children: teach the importance of advocacy young
- Staff Members / Board of Directors
- Policy Councils / Elder & Tribal Groups
A Successful Advocate is:
Respectful
- Communicate your message in a respectful manner. Raised voices and rude words or tone alienate people.
- Mannerisms: Be on time for meetings, refrain from interrupting, keep on point of the message, and follow up with a thank you statement or note.
- Be brief: Most decision makers have very limited time to understand your position or concern and appreciate getting right to the point.
Influential:
- The power to affect other people’s thinking by means of position or action.
- Getting other people to participate.
- Ensure your communication and actions further your influence.
- Always be truthful.