Advocacy is caring for an issue deeply enough to stand up and say that something needs to be done about it.

In order to be able to stand up and speak about an issue, an advocate needs 2 things:

1.      An understanding of the issue

2.      A desire and willingness to see the desired change 

However, advocacy is not only being knowledgeable on an issue. Advocacy is about using your knowledge to create change. 

Initiating change often involves engaging people that have the power to make the necessary changes-such as policymakers and elected officials. Engaging with them means having conversations, exchanging information, and impressing upon them your particular point of view. Each of these needs preparation, and persistence.