Advocacy To actively support a cause. Involves the art of persuading others based on: 1. careful gathering of facts 2. developing excellent communication skills 3. creating a plan 4. following a timeline

Advocacy What types of issues do high school students advocate? Violence/bullying prevention Teen homelessness/hunger School uniform policies Open campus How do students advocate? Leaders in your area, ie: Principal, Mayor, etc Community meetings Petitions Talk or write to Senators and Representatives

Lobbying A way to influence the lawmaking process by persuading lawmakers to vote as you want. Basic right protected by U.S. Constitution – free speech, assembly, association, freedom of the press Individual, special interest group, or professional To contact use phone, , letter, or in person Use contributions, ads, favors, letter-writing campaigns to influence legislation In Washington DC you must register with Congress and file reports 4X a year Professionals have advantages of more money, know legislators, know staffs personally

Advocacy Split into four groups a.Require everyone under 18 years of age to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle on public property. b.Require a one-week waiting period and a background check for anyone who buys a handgun. c.Require that any teenage driver with less than one year of experience as a licensed driver drive only during daylight hours and never with more than one other teenage passenger (except siblings). d.Establish a curfew requiring that people under 18 years of age be off the streets by 12:00 am Sunday through Thursday, and by 1:00 am on Friday and Saturday unless commuting to and from work or traveling with a parent or guardian.