What is Advocacy?

ad·vo·ca·cy: noun, To take action for another.

Anyone can be an advocate. It’s as simple as telling your friends about an issue that you are passionate about. Or you can go a step further by educating and pressing your lawmakers to take action.

Advocacy inspired by our Christian faith requires that the people of God respond to people’s immediate needs and to remove the source of exploitation, oppression, or injustice that keeps them in need (Isaiah 58:6-9). We seek to bring about justice by addressing the root causes of poverty.

Why is advocacy important?

Jesus Christ is the model and basis for our advocacy — namely, His identification with the poor, the afflicted, the oppressed, and the marginalized. Jesus challenged unjust attitudes and systems, called us to share our resources with each other, and loved all people without discrimination or conditions. As believers, it is our responsibility to use Christ’s model and take a stand on behalf of the most vulnerable.

Another element of advocacy is building a relationship with those in need and bringing their interests to the attention of others. World Vision stands in solidarity with the poor, seeking to understand their situation and searching for justice. The need for transformation is common to all. Together, we share this quest for justice, peace, reconciliation, and healing in our broken world.

What is lobbying?

Lobbying is similar to advocacy in that it involves speaking on behalf of another person or cause, but in this case, it entails taking a position for or against a specific piece of legislation or policy.

Visit our Action Center to see all of the bills that you can advocate for with us.

How you can make a difference

It’s the government’s job to listen to the people. You can participate in advocacy with World Vision’s Advocate Network and inform your legislators about the issues facing vulnerable children. By doing so, you bridge the gap between the children and families in need, and those who have the power to change their situation and diminish their poverty.

The most effective way to contact Congress is to call your members of Congress, write an original letter, or visit their offices to speak with congressional staff or even the member. As a general rule, the more creative the method, the more likely you are to attract their attention.

You can begin taking action now, or learn more about these key issues:

• Global child health crisis
• Child trafficking and forced labor
• Child soldiers
• World hunger