Community advocacy can make real change and understanding that change is important. Is it getting more people to take public transportation? Preventing childhood obesity? No matter the issue, knowing what you would like to see changed and being able to articulate it is half the battle. Many people just can’t say what the problem is and how they would fix it. Try to do that in ten words or less.
Don't Wait
Waiting for other people to do something about it is a bad idea. Waiting is detrimental to action. Think of the verbal and emotional barriers folks create around change. You will hear folks say things like:
“Oh, that is a good idea, but we don't have the money to do that.” Financial hurdles are big, but money is available if people really want change. Your job is to make that case.
“Someone else is already working on that.” Are they really working on it or is that an excuse? Don’t take someone else’s word for it, do some research for yourself.
“We have always done it this way.” Yes, and this is why we still have a problem. Be respectful, but make the case for why this needs to happen a different way.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
Community advocacy can make real change and understanding that change is important. Is it getting more people to take public transportation? Preventing childhood obesity? No matter the issue, knowing what you would like to see changed and being able to articulate it is half the battle. Many people just can’t say what the problem is and how they would fix it. Try to do that in ten words or less.
Don't Wait
Waiting for other people to do something about it is a bad idea. Waiting is detrimental to action. Think of the verbal and emotional barriers folks create around change. You will hear folks say things like:
“Oh, that is a good idea, but we don't have the money to do that.” Financial hurdles are big, but money is available if people really want change. Your job is to make that case.
“Someone else is already working on that.” Are they really working on it or is that an excuse? Don’t take someone else’s word for it, do some research for yourself.
“We have always done it this way.” Yes, and this is why we still have a problem. Be respectful, but make the case for why this needs to happen a different way.
community advocacy