Read about How and why to teach kids to be self-advocates.
Tips for your youth advocate
- Discover and remember your “WHY.” Your WHY is what will ignite and sustain you.
- Know the issue and organization inside out. Your knowledge will be your greatest source of confidence and persuasion.
- Advocates are amplifiers, not spokespersons. Advocates are platforms for unheard voices to speak through – ones of truthful representation, respect and dignity.
- Be in it for the long haul. Do it for the cause and not applause.
Read more here from World Vision.
Fighting for social change
You’re not alone. If you are looking for help, here are some resources:
Hamilton Community Legal Clinic is a community based not for profit agency whose diverse team of caring professionals and volunteers provides legal services to low income individuals and communities to promote access to justice and to improve quality of life. They do this through: summary advice and referral, representation, community development, law reform and public legal education.
How to take care of yourself while you fight for social change
- While educating yourself, take a break from your phone and social media. All this information can be overwhelming, so set realistic goals each week, for when you’ll learn about certain topics.
- Surround yourself with like-minded folxs by joining a local organization or online group where you can discuss these topics and learn how to take action.
- Acknowledge your emotions, and how you’re feeling or reacting to information or actions you’re taking.
- If you’re feeling hopeless, listen to a podcast or read an article where someone is fighting for social change.
- Take small actions. You don’t need to do everything all at once.
Organizations to support in Hamilton
Make sure to do your own research on different organizations before you choose one you’d like to support.
- CityKidz Hamilton
- Heart to Home Meals
- Hamilton Interval House
- Mission Services
- Hamilton Food Share
- Flamborough Food Bank
- Eagle’s Nest of Waterdown
- Habitat for Humanity Hamilton
- Animal Adoptions of Flamborough
- Food with Grace Waterdown Food Bank
- Food4Kids Hamilton
- Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion
- Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
- Native Women’s Centre
- Living Rock Youth Resources
- Good Sheperd Centres for: Women, Men, Families, Youth, and Seniors
