Law has been a favorite strategy of nearly every social change movement in America. It is an indispensable tool for advocates. Legal advocacy includes law suits, legal memoranda, legal rights booklets for lay citizens, civil rights statements, legal representation in fair hearings and other negotiations, and legal advice. In addition to newsletters and town meetings, organizers must use a variety of communication networks and media. Among them are booklets, pamphlets, seminars, workshops, slide shows, movies, resource guides, press conferences, television debates, radio shows, exposes, phone campaigns, advertisements, public announcements, press releases and posters.
Communications are the heart of any advocacy effort.
In order to change policies and practices, one must first change attitudes. Communications help to educate the community. They serve as the symbol that advocacy is alive and will influence the future. The refusal of an award, for example, can focus attention on the event and the issue. Because it appears shocking or unusual, the symbolic act is talked about long after the action has occurred.