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. Advocacy takes many forms. Don't be overwhelmed by the prospect of a visit to lobby your elected officials, it is simply a meeting for you to tell your elected representative what you think about a certain issue. Hold rallies, speak-outs, or protests to illustrate support for your program. This is a great way to raise visibility and awareness to an issue.