Advocacy | DS Workforce Initiative

Advocacy is the desire and determination to champion a cause or issue and try to get others to support it. It recognizes the importance of amplifying the voices of the person/family and creating space for them to advocate on their own behalf.

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Growth Levels

Emerging

Recognizes when advocacy needs to happen

Identifies factors that may impact the person
Understands the barriers/opportunities for the person or group
Recognizes the significance of personal experiences, values, cultural diversity, and inclusion
Shows sensitivity to time, issue, place and role
Takes appropriate steps and opportunities to advocate
Communicates through facts, data and examples to convince
Recognizes that one is not speaking for a person but amplifying their thoughts, preferences and choices

Evolving

Takes actions to advocate

Understands the decision-making process and identifies the key decision makers
Communicates facts in response to understanding different views
Uses a person directed approach to develop a plan of action, including potential outcomes with individual/family/team
Reflects/evaluates the effectiveness of advocacy and adjusts approach
Considers impact of actions or words, anticipating and preparing for response
Supports individuals and families to advocate for themselves and others
Effectively questions existing practices and offers opportunities for new ideas

Leading

Strategizes and adapts to audience

Adapts a communication strategy based on the audience and when applicable, uses trauma informed practices
Anticipates and prepares for others’ reactions
Uses person-centered thinking when addressing barriers and opportunities
Solicits and engages the support of like-minded individuals to help convince others
Uses group facilitation skills to lead or direct a group in advocacy efforts
Judges when to seek support and uses credible sources to support ideas
Supports and mentors the advocacy efforts of others
Effectively evaluates and guides others to achieve the desirable results

Influencing

Uses complex influence strategies for collective advocacy

Builds partnerships and alliances to promote advocacy efforts within various internal and external systems and broader society
Is actively involved in transformation goals related to advocacy efforts
Builds a coalition with like-minded partners to help reach goals such as social inclusion
Utilizes the expertise of third parties to influence change both within and outside of the sector
Builds and continuously maintains a network of contacts and resources to support initiatives
Uses complex strategies such as assembling political coalitions

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