While it is true that some advocacy work can be broken down to specific goals, like research or printing a prayer guide, much more important is how advocates are able to build and maintain trust-based relationships. Who we know and how we interact will always be much more important for advocates than what we produce. Relationships Building open and trusting relationships is not easy. It requires not just listening, but intent listening, and listening with a purpose.
Advocates reach out to include new people.
This openness runs counter to our instincts, especially if we work in a restricted access area where a degree of paranoia is healthy. Nevertheless, field workers will seldom have the capacity to perform their ministry and reach out to include new people in relationship. Trusting relationships are built on clear communication and mutual understanding. However, if that information is only shared on the condition that you do not relate it to anyone else, the advocate must honor that understanding. In that situation as well, it is very helpful to have a healthy relationship with the two people, not just to make the introduction easier, but also to encourage their cooperation in the future.