🔵 Unit 1: Introduction to Advocacy
Learning Objectives
By the end of this unit, you will:
- Define advocacy and explain its importance.
- Understand the goals of the Rebuilding Lives framework.
- Recognize how civic engagement empowers communities.
Welcome Video
🎥 [Embed video here]
Welcome to Unit 1! Let’s explore what advocacy means and why it’s a powerful tool for creating change.
Section 1: What Is Advocacy?
Advocacy is the act of speaking up, taking action, and working to influence decisions that affect people’s lives. Advocates can be individuals, groups, or entire communities. Advocacy helps bring about positive change in laws, policies, and public attitudes.
Examples of advocacy actions:
- Writing letters to elected officials.
- Organizing or attending public meetings.
- Sharing personal stories in the media.
- Educating others about important social issues.
Section 2: Why Is Civic Engagement Important?
Civic engagement means participating in your community to make it a better place. It can include voting, volunteering, attending town halls, or joining campaigns.
Civic engagement leads to:
- Stronger communities.
- More responsive government policies.
- Empowerment of underrepresented voices.
Section 3: The Rebuilding Lives Framework
The Rebuilding Lives initiative teaches advocacy by focusing on real-world problems like homelessness, housing justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. It trains people to:
- Identify social problems.
- Develop persuasive arguments.
- Lead campaigns for change.
Your journey through this module will prepare you to take action on issues that matter to you and your community.
Multimedia Element
🖼️ Infographic: “The Advocacy Cycle”
(Identify issue → Raise awareness → Propose solutions → Take action → Evaluate outcomes)
Practice Activity (Interactivity #1)
📝 What Counts as Advocacy?
Look at the list below and decide whether each action is a form of advocacy. Write your answers in the Canvas discussion or complete the online poll if available.
| Action | Advocacy (Yes/No) |
|---|---|
| Organizing a food drive | Yes |
| Posting a personal opinion on social media | Maybe |
| Attending a public hearing and giving testimony | Yes |
| Voting in a local election | Yes |
Reflection question for Canvas:
“Which of these actions have you done before? Which would you like to try?”
Navigation
[Back to Main Menu] | [Next: Unit 2 — Understanding Social Issues]
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