An advocate is involved in controversial activities or issues, but because they are speaking on behalf of a group, they tend to be more likely to follow the paths of lobbying and legislation.

Non-Political Action & Activism

1. Pick your cause or issue. Sure you’re passionate about lots of things, but you should focus in on how you want to enact change, and what that change will look like.
2. Know your facts. You want to be able to talk about the subject in full detail, and be seen as a trusted source, so that your opinion is that much more credible.
3. Pick your form of grassroots action A great example is that of Online Activists and the example of Save Darfur, who have grouped one million online activists since 2006, with 1.1million letters to the Whitehouse.
4. Create a petition It’s a simple task to ask others to do and you’re raising awareness as you go along.
5. Network and build your coalition. You want to have a visible amount of supporters to further your cause so that all of your actions outside of the system will be recognized for their strength in numbers.
6. Pitch your cause to the media. Getting publicity is often a crucial step in getting others involved and having others aware of the importance of your cause.
7. Be creative. Take actions that strengthen your point and make it unique. One example of this might be to make a satirical protest, focusing on the failures of the organization you are fighting.
8. Think about Momentum. Momentum as the power of your message combined with the force you put behind it through the amount of supporters, the amount of money, and the amount of POWER you have supporting your inertia (your cause).
9. Know your supporters. Are you a mainstream issue, like health care, or is your issue a more radical or youth-based audience? Know your supporters so that you can represent them in a collective and effective manner.
10. Keep your materials in a portfolio. You’re building support behind your cause and this will be another means of gathering others around your cause.
11. Reflect Consider how you can continue to inspire others to participate and make a difference. Judge your own actions, imagine what you could have done better, summarize what you gained. What are the next steps?