Advocacy Doesn’t Have to Be Loud

Written by P.S.

When people hear the word “advocacy,” they probably think of a big protest or a rally, something big and loud because that's what advocating means right? Doesn't advocacy need to be some kind of large scale action packed effort? Most people imagine advocacy as being through public speeches, starting non profits or even going viral online. But in reality, advocacy can be quieter and still just as meaningful.

A lot of the time, people, perhaps even unknowingly, disregard the quieter forms of advocacy. Large campaigns do get more attention, but does that really mean that they make a bigger change? Not necessarily. Lasting change comes when individuals can keep having conversations even afterwards, so that ideas are constantly being shared. Social media and the news promote the idea of visibility; quieter support is just harder to see, but that doesn't mean it isn't there.

I have been an active advocate for years without even realizing it. I have been able to express my feelings and opinions through conversations, telling stories and answering questions; this has made me realize that I can advocate for anything, and that I already am an advocate. Advocacy is accessible; you don’t need a large public platform or to be an expert in a field. By definition, advocating means to support. Support doesn't always need to come through a microphone, but rather can be more meaningful when in a dialogue.

Individuals rarely remember things like hard facts and statistics, instead they remember people and feelings. Simply interacting and communicating with others is a form of advocacy. This communication can come from conversing, educating and especially storytelling. Telling a story combines authenticity, values, and trust, which leaves a lasting impact on the audience. A student telling a story about a current event, or answering a question about their culture is being an advocate without realizing it. When messages resonate with people, they are more likely to be shared.

Almost more importantly than telling a story is listening to one. You can be an advocate simply by listening to someone's words. Hearing what other people have to say builds empathy, which can then lead to empowerment. By simply understanding someone, problems can be easily identified; solutions are more effective when aligned with people's real experiences.

Advocacy can be seen in everyday life, ranging from checking in on someone, answering a question, or even sharing a resource. These actions won't attract public attention, but they can change the way someone thinks and behaves, and can then serve as a foundation for bigger changes within a society.

In today's day and age, digital platforms are becoming increasingly accessible; various apps increase global interconnectivity, making it very easy to share things with people anywhere. By writing an article or creating a website, your ideas can reach hundreds of people. Anyone with an internet connection has the power to be an advocate and let their ideas reach more communities.

When it comes to advocacy, consistency is often more effective than intensity. A single viral post or public rally versus continuous meaningful conversation can lead to different outcomes. Through doing things like volunteering, and community work, a new kind of advocacy can be seen. This is the kind of advocacy that can create tangible change; continuation and consistency are key. Through repetitive awareness initiatives, lasting impact can be made and the message will stay with the public over time.

While having bigger and louder forms of advocacy are definitely meaningful and significant, the smaller forms are often overlooked. You don't need to be a highly regarded figure like a politician or the founder of an organization to be considered as an advocate; simply listening and communicating can do a lot. It is important to recognize any potential gaps in public knowledge or flaws within a society and speak up about them. Everyone has a voice, and everyone deserves to be heard whether you’re on a stage, or having a conversation.