Advocacy Toolkit Content

Advocacy is making your voice heard by decision makers, politicians, and other organizations that can have a positive impact on the issues relating to the lives of people experiencing homelessness.

Advocacy is communication. Communication can take many forms, such as:

  • Letters
  • Emails
  • Phone calls
  • Social media
  • Editorial comments in newspapers and blogs
  • Attending and speaking up at meetings and functions

Each of these forms of communication has its own best use and greatest impact depending on the issue and the desired effect, and that is important: communication must be organized and focused and targeted.  Going out on the street and shouting about the issues relating to homelessness is certainly communication, but it is far less effective than targeting an organized letter writing campaign to an elected official who is considering voting on a bill relating to the rights of the homeless community. 

Many misconceptions, myths, and untruths exist surrounding people experiencing homelessness.  These misconceptions are some of the biggest and most difficult barriers these people face in reclaiming their place in society and achieving their best potential.  The best counter for these misconceptions is fact-based education about who the homeless really are, and what sorts of issues they face. 

 

How we advocate must be fact-based, organized, and focused.