The definition of advocacy is: public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.
Women of Winston-Salem, what does advocacy mean to you?
Advocacy, to me, is action inspired by a personal conviction to ignite positive change in others, especially related to issues that have a personal impact. Advocacy, to me, is having the courage to use my voice – uniquely fashioned and all-inclusive – in support of women and girl empowerment. To be an example, while remaining true to who I am. To be an agent of social change – this is advocacy to me.
On Thursday, June 14th, dozens of women gathered together for The Fund's latest Social Change Exchange (SCEX) event to learn about advocacy and how they could take action to promote social change for women and girls in our community
.
Attendees received a personal copy of The Women's Fund's new
Advocacy Playbook
,
and throughout the evening, had the unique opportunity to practice up to two different forms of advocacy. Participants had the option to choose from a total of six Advocacy Table Topics: Getting started; write a letter to the editor/your elected official; organizing public actions; grassroots advocacy; using social media; and maximizing your website. All of the table facilitators were well-versed on their particular topic of advocacy, and did a wonderful job cultivating a learning experience that was unique to each individual who participated in their group.
To culminate the evening, everyone gathered for a group debrief to share personal impact, commitments and takeaways;
you can
click here
to read some of the participant takeaways from the event.
As a community, many of us witness and respond to the impact that public policy has on the people we serve and interact with on a daily basis. Advocacy encompasses such a wide range of activities – from network and relationship building or organizing public action; to writing a letter or tweeting on social media – all of which have the power to influence key decision makers.
Women today are disproportionately affected by many issues such as poverty, pay inequity and violence. This is why as women, we must take the lead in advocating for others in our community.
By embracing the power of diversity, and forming connections with other passionate women who are inspired by shared values – together, we can create a lasting impact on the lives of other women and girls in our community.
Thank you to everyone who attended or played a key role in the success of The Women's Fund's 2018 SCEX. For those who were unable to attend, the
Advocacy Playbook
is available on our website, and is a great resource to develop your own personal advocacy action plan today!
Submitted by Shamika Starke.
