Advocacy Series Part 3. What can be done to support advocates

By: Dawn Bilpuch

We made it to the end! We talked about a lot of things, every thing from what advocacy is and what it means, to what people need to understand. Now, to wrap it up, we’re going to talk about what can be done to supmort advocates.
We love what we do. If we didn’t we wouldn’t be staying up til 3 AM. doing paperwork, or talking someone down and helping them through a crisis. This wasn’t meant to say bad things about advocacy. It was just meant to be educational and open people’s eyes. With that being said, let’s get into the things we can do to support advocates.

1. Make accessibility a priority.
   Make your meetings, documents, etc accessible. That incbbudes Zoom captioning, converting documents into accessible formats, etc. Also, making our rules, laws and other websites we need to access them accessible. This includes federal rules and regulations and laws. Make info about getting accommodations accessible and easy to find. Put things in plain language. Put alt-text on graphics and photos. The list goes on and on. Also, offer virtual testimony. Some people including family members can’t always get out to the statehouse to testify, and still want to testify and submit written testimony. Virtual options give people that choice.
   In case you haven’t noticed, accessibility is one of those issues I could get on a soapbox about.
2. Have an advocacy peer support network or group
   Advocacy can be very isolating. Not just because of the work, but, also, the nature of it, your disability(s) can play a part too, and where you live, and what you have to see and go through each day, along with many other factors, can play into this. As an advocate, you’re on your own, you have no backup, support etc. If things get to be too much or you need to vent, you’re on your own, and, if you have another advocate to go to, then that’s awesome! Creating a pwher support group or network for advocates both at a state and national level, will allow people to connect in whatever way is best for them, share what’s on their mind, bounce ideas off each other, and get and give support in a safe, nurturing, confidential space. People can then make friends and connections and talk outside the group if they want, and help each other.
3. Be understanding and meet people where they’re at, give every one a seat at the table.
   Meeting people where they’re at, and helping them when they’re struggling and giving them grace when they fall on their face is crucial. Also, giving every one seats at the table. Also, give people plenty of opportunities to grow, as people and advocates! Take other new advocates under your wing. I had someone do that with and for me, and, let me tell you, that is one of the best things to ever happen to me. We’re alike in a lot of ways, and have connected in a lot of ways over various things. They are the same person whose life I saved. She took me under her wing, and, into her group that she ran, and, I’m so glad she did. She’s taught me and still teaching me about policy, rules, how to get accommodations, and so much more. I can’t thank her enough. We have become very close friends, and wouldn’t change it.
4. Provide training
   One thing I think that’s lacking, is training on how to be an advocate, and surrounding all aspects of advocacy. Even if there’s training, it costs an arm and a leg, or you need college degrees. Not every one can afford or handle that. Offer plenty of free virtual and hybrid trainings, and, if they cost, offer ways for people to pay that can’t afford it, or find ways to reduce the cost if not eliminate it. Also, create some resources and have a resource hub for all things of this nature including places to go and get more spicific resources.
5. Eliminate, reduce, or find ways to get around dues
   Not every one is made of money, and, if you’re disabled, that’s definitely the case. Because while benefits are great, you don’t make a lot to live on, especially with prices going up like they are. Some people can’t apply for benefits because of whatever circumstance. I think that if there’s organizations that have dues, they should find ways to help people that want to join, but can’t because of financial limitations. That could mean reducing or eliminating dues, offering assistance to people who can’t pay, offering a one-time payment for lifetime membership, or nixing dues altogether. The sky is the limit in some way on this one. Also, make sure that current members know that they can come to you if they have financial issues at any point.

What do you think needs to be done to support advocates? Are there any resources you know of? Whatever your thoughts, please feel free to share them.