What is advocacy?

Summary

Advocacy is about supporting individuals in speaking up and getting involved in decisions that affect their lives. Advocates assist by helping people express their views, preferences, and choices, always prioritizing the person's autonomy. They offer practical support in various situations like attending meetings, accessing information, and challenging decisions or discrimination. Advocacy is about promoting self-determination and protecting human rights. Kate Mercer Training is a national organization that provides training and support to advocates, helping to strengthen advocacy services and ensure individuals' voices are heard in decision-making processes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Advocacy helps individuals speak up and get involved in decisions about their life.
• 😀 Advocates assist people in expressing their views, preferences, and choices.
• 😀 Advocacy is based on the belief that individuals are the best decision-makers for their own lives.
• 😀 Advocates do not make decisions, give advice, or tell people what to do—they are there to support.
• 😀 Advocacy involves active listening, self-advocacy, and practical support, such as attending meetings.
• 😀 It helps people challenge decisions, access information, and understand their rights and services.
• 😀 Advocacy also involves helping individuals participate in communities and challenge discrimination.
• 😀 Advocates aid in making and communicating choices and protect human rights.
• 😀 Supported decision-making is a core aspect of advocacy, always prioritizing the individual's wishes and feelings.
• 😀 Kate Mercer Training is an organization that provides training and support to advocates and advocacy services.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of advocacy?

The main purpose of advocacy is to help individuals speak up and get involved in decisions that affect their lives, ensuring they have support in expressing their views, preferences, and choices.

How do advocates assist people in decision-making?

Advocates assist people by being on their side, helping them express their opinions and preferences, and supporting them through decision-making processes, without giving advice or making decisions for them.

What is the core belief behind advocacy?

Advocacy is based on the belief that the individual is the best person to make decisions about their own life.

What roles do advocates play in supporting individuals?

Advocates support individuals by listening to their concerns, helping them access information, attending meetings, challenging decisions, and assisting with navigating services and rights protections.

Are advocates allowed to give advice or make decisions for the person they represent?

No, advocates are not there to give advice or make decisions. Their role is to support and represent the individual's wishes and preferences, without directing them.

What types of support are involved in advocacy?

Advocacy support can include attending meetings, challenging decisions, accessing and understanding information, participating in communities, and protecting human rights.

What does 'self-advocacy' mean in the context of this script?

Self-advocacy refers to individuals advocating for themselves, expressing their own wishes and preferences, and making decisions about their lives with support if needed.

What is the significance of challenging discrimination in advocacy?

Challenging discrimination is a key part of advocacy as it ensures that individuals' rights are respected and that they can participate fully in society, free from unfair treatment.

What is supported decision-making in advocacy?

Supported decision-making in advocacy involves providing assistance to individuals to help them make informed decisions, while ensuring their choices, feelings, and aspirations are respected.

What services does Kate Mercer Training provide in the context of advocacy?

Kate Mercer Training provides training and support to advocates and advocacy services, helping them improve their ability to support individuals effectively.