Types of Advocacy
1. Self Advocacy is when one person or a group of people speak or act on their own behalf in pursuit of needs or interests. Self advocacy requires that people value themselves and believe that by speaking out, they can change their status in society.
2. Citizen Advocacy is a one-on-one partnership, involving a vulnerable person (consumer) and an advocate. The goals of citizen advocacy are to provide emotional support, friendship, and when appropriate, to speak for the consumer. It is a relationship built on mutual respect, where the advocate functions as though their partner's interests were their own.
3. Systemic Advocacy is concerned with policy, procedure and reform at the institutional level. It points out built-in problems with structures, policies and procedures in an institution which hinder the rights, freedoms and dignity of consumers.
4. Legislative Advocacy is at the parliamentary level, and involves both informing and lobbying Members of Parliament to pass laws which will protect the consumer.
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