Advocacy 101 – 1 CEU
When presented with the question on, why, advocacy? It forces us to reflect on ourselves as individuals and forces us to reflect on our very purpose and further it forces us to reflect on our own life history and lived experience and uphold what we value and deem ethical, necessary, and important. Advocacy is an experience, it is an action or argument one takes on behalf of another person, or idea or to address an issue. Mental health advocacy works to promote positive mental health by reducing the stigma and discrimination for those with mental health disorders and upholding their human rights in a social, economic, or political system. When using a systemic approach in advocacy there is an understanding of the significance of relationships in society and relationships within whole family systems allowing advocates to analyze and determine areas of need. Systems theory offers a holistic understanding on individual behavior, relationship to family, and community and the broader impacts of mainstream society and government. Systems perspective in advocacy assists to discern the areas of need by either giving voice, raising awareness or addressing the stigma of mental health disorders on a local social platform, economic or broader political and institutional perspective. To be an advocate is to be courageous, vulnerable, offers hope and gives a sense of purpose.