Getting that message out is critical to keeping the momentum behind family literacy going. Getting that message out is advocating for family literacy. In short, to tell them that your family literacy program is a resource to meet the needs in the community. The following is a broad, general outline of the distinction between advocacy and lobbying. If you are ever unclear as to which your specific action constitutes, you should consult an attorney familiar with such matters.
Advocacy is a far-reaching activity.
Using federal tax dollars in support of lobbying has been strictly prohibited by law for many years. Lobbying has been defined variously in a number of federal, state and local statutes, but the common element of any definition of the word is that it usually entails making a specific request of an official for a specific legislative or administrative action within the purview of their role as a lawmaker or administrator. Advocacy, more a process of providing information, can take place at any time or place and with any one. One message is important for family literacy proponents. While lobbying with federal dollars may be prohibited, nothing prevents private citizens on their own time from contacting their representatives to make clear their views on matters pending before the national, state, or local legislature.