Advocacy

   MSW Notes > NGO Management 

8. Advocacy

Meaning:
Advocacy is the process by which NGOs influence policies, laws, and public opinion to bring social change. It is not just service delivery but also raising voices for the rights of marginalized groups.

Types of Advocacy:

• Policy Advocacy: Persuading government to change or implement policies.
• Legal Advocacy: Filing Public Interest Litigations (PILs).
• Media Advocacy: Using newspapers, television, and social media to highlight issues.
• Community Advocacy: Mobilising local people to demand rights and services.

Importance:

• Ensures that the voices of vulnerable communities are heard.
• Helps in creating long-term structural change.
• Strengthens democracy and civic participation.

Example:
NGO “Childline India Foundation” successfully advocated for setting up a 24x7 helpline (1098) for children in distress, which is now a government-supported program.