Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 1) | Page 17

Basics That Help Bring About Change

To advocate includes supporting, backing up, promoting, campaigning,
sponsoring and speaking on behalf of. It usually refers to doing something to
strongly and publicly support someone or something or a policy. To varying
extent, most of us do some advocacy some of the time. The challenge about
advocacy work is when we are raising awareness about social issues and
resources. In these situations, the stakes go up and tensions and competition
starts. Equilibrium is shaken and attention rises. Advocacy by itself is neutral.
It is the framing of the issue and the approach which oftentimes determine the
outcome of advocacy. In advocacy, context matters in order for the discussion
and negotiation, be it of values, resources or timing, to be constructive.
Advocacy is a good skill to develop. It starts in the family, in school and later
in adult life at the workplace. Some may not call it advocacy but we know
that it is about advancing a cause or a theory for change through raising
awareness which may or may not result in action. It is a skill worth sharpening
because when it is done poorly, it can cause more harm than good. It can
cause tensions leading to destructive repercussions.

3. We unite
It is not a surprise then that some social workers would place a premium on
unity. Most will seek to unite wherever possible. Being united is not the same
as being in agreement or having everyone agree on being the same and
agreeing to the same things. It is about sharing core values that drive the
way we respond and make decisions that impact others beyond ourselves
and being respectful of differing and divergent views. It is derived from
deliberate thought and appreciating different perspectives. It is a unity that
comes from respect, esteem and care for others and showing responsibility
towards others and the environment.
So how are these simple steps of informing, advocating and uniting relevant
to bringing about change or improvement? Well, the first point about informing is about seeking knowledge, processing information so that it can be
translated and passed on to others so that they can become more informed
and make informed decisions. How you communicate is a skill that you can
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