ADVOCACY

An act performed with or on behalf of others through direct intervention, empowerment, or representation. Case advocacy refers to actions taken in relation to a particular individual consumer. Cause, social, or systems advocacy refers to actions taken in relation to a common issue affecting a group of persons.		  
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  PRACTICE

Established actions or ways of proceeding in the regular performance of organizational duties. Policies and procedures often guide practice.		  
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  STAKEHOLDER

Any person, group, or organization that has a vested interest in the services provided by the organization. Examples: clients, consumers, personnel, funding organizations, referral organizations, vendors, and governmental bodies.		  
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Social Advocacy
  
Private Org Public Agency  

SOC 5: Civic Engagement

 
The organization engages grassroots stakeholders, including those who are not a part of policymaking circles, and mobilizes them to participate in advocacy efforts.
Note: If the organization’s advocacy initiative is not designed to include work with individual stakeholders, SOC 5 will not be relevant and the organization should request an NA from COA.
Research Note: Some literature suggests that building a strong advocacy base is key to a successful advocacy initiative. For example, the media may be more apt to cover an issue if they know the public is interested.

SOC 5.01

 
The organization identifies and reaches out to individuals who have an interest in the success of the advocacy effort.
Interpretation: Examples of ways to reach out to potential stakeholders include, but are not limited to: newspaper advertisements; radio appeals; direct mailings; e-mail solicitations; distributing fliers or brochures; and personal contact or canvassing.

SOC 5.02

 
The organization establishes systems for communicating with the advocacy base.

SOC 5.03

 
Grassroots stakeholders are educated about the advocacy issue in question, and kept up-to-date on new developments.

SOC 5.04

 

The organization engages grassroots stakeholders, including those who are not a part of policymaking circles, and involves them in advocacy efforts by:

  1. gathering their input about advocacy priorities, positions, and strategies;
  2. providing them with opportunities to take action to advance advocacy goals; and
  3. considering their feedback in setting the course of the initiative.
Interpretation: Opportunities for action will vary depending on the types of activities the organization plans to pursue. For example, constituents might sign a petition, write to policy makers, or attend a rally.
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PURPOSE: Social Advocacy works to promote positive change and eliminate social, economic, and environmental injustice in social institutions, systems, legislation, and practices that affect individuals, families, groups, and communities.
 
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