1. ADVOCACY SKILLS

2. Great Advocates in History

3. YOUTH ARE NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE
Why Be An Advocate?
Youth make up 26% of the population
Youth spend more than $150 billion a year
Youth care about the world as much as anybody
BUT
YOUTH ARE NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE

4. Don’t Give Up Your Voice
Shatter age related stereotypes
Don’t wait for an invitation
Be innovative, creative
Be persistent

5. Identify The Issue You Want To Address
hunger * pollution * guns control * curfews * toxic waste * deforestation * truancy * graffiti * poverty * drugs * teen pregnancy * litter * abortion * obesity * pesticides * puppy mills * censorship * date rate * detention * racism * dropouts * dress code * depression * hate crimes * divorce * addiction * child abuse * AIDS * stress * immigration laws * endangered species * affirmative action* global warming * sweatshops * welfare * bulimia * shoplifting * air quality * teachers * conflict resolution * tobacco * metal detectors * homelessness * school prayer * taxes * bullies * second hand smoke * domestic violence * death penalty * health insurance * locker searches discrimination * suicide * graduation requirements *loitering*

6. Identify Your Intended Audience
High Schoolers
Politicians
Teachers
Parents
Civic clubs
General public

7. Choose a Method to Convey Message
Sit-in
Letter/ campaign
Street marketing
Face-to-Face
Petition
Rallies & Marches
Media campaign

8. Planning Define goals Have a list – set date,
decide on activities, etc….
Develop a communication plan
Anticipate obstacles
Line up support (champion)

9. Tricks of the Trade Polite Facts straight Never make up answers
Trust champion
Patience
Understand that everyone
wants something
Strength in Numbers
Unity

10. Building an Advocacy Effort
Good first impression
be direct, specific
start small
keep records
collaborate
learn from the past
look for diversity

11. ADVOCACY SKILLS