This module created by Donna Conley, MBA, LSW, Ohio Citizens Advocates.
Advocacy is any attempt to influence public opinion and attitudes that directly affect people's lives. An individual can act on his or her own to advocate for a particular cause or belief, or may be part of a highly organized network of individuals joined by a common cause. For example, suppose your non profit organization was in danger of closing it's doors because of a series of budget cuts from the federal and state government over the past few years. This would mean that clients would no longer be able to receive your services. Your organization decides that it must build community support for its services so that the public views the agency's programs as a valuable, indispensable part of the community. If the organization doesn't start this process until six months before the doors close, the likelihood of obtaining public support of sufficient magnitude to save the program is minimal. However, if advocacy activities have been an ongoing part of the organization's strategic plan, the public will already know, understand, and support the agency's services.
