When you support or recommend a cause or course of action, you are engaging in advocacy.
Advocacy involves attempts to influence people and public perceptions.
An advocate works to promote a solution or to defeat an unacceptable proposal. The only requirement to be an advocate is commitment to the issue. Advocacy can occur around a number of issues, such as condom availability in schools or workplace discrimination. Advocacy can occur at any time, whether it is nationally or locally. You can advocate when you encounter a legislator at a community event or a principal at a school board meeting.