Advocacy – Changing the world for the better
Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31.8-9
What is advocacy?
Advocacy is the process of speaking on behalf of people to create change. The change may be in people's awareness, policies, laws, and/or rights.
Advocacy creates a voice for people whose voice is not being heard. By speaking out against injustices, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand aims to influence attitudes at national, regional, and global levels.
Why advocate?
Advocacy is about recognising and upholding the principle of human dignity: all people, through every stage of life, have inherent dignity and a right to life that is consistent with that dignity. Human dignity grants people inalienable rights – political, legal, social, and economic rights. Human life at every stage is precious and therefore worthy of protection and respect.
The principle of solidarity affirms that our responsibilities to each other transcend national, racial, economic, and ideological differences. We are called to work globally for justice. We should not concern ourselves solely with our own individual lives. We need to be aware of what is going on in the world around us.
"The Church wishes to help form consciences in political life and to stimulate greater insight into the authentic requirements of justice as well as greater readiness to act accordingly, even when this might involve conflict with situations of personal interest. Building a just social and civil order, wherein each person receives what is his or her due, is an essential task which every generation must take up anew." Pope Benedict, Deus Caritas Est , 2006
What does advocacy involve?
Advocacy involves a range of activities to bring about change. As change occurs at different levels, from the grassroots community level to national and international levels, a variety of activities and tools are used. These include, but are not limited to, research, lobbying, meetings, prayer, campaigning, submissions to parliament, and letter writing.
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand 's advocacy work
Caritas' Aotearoa New Zealand 's advocacy work is based on the following principles:
- Gospel values and Catholic social teaching provide the foundation and framework for Caritas' advocacy work.
- Caritas undertakes advocacy work in order to make a real difference in the lives of people living with poverty or injustice.
- Caritas works to change the structures which cause poverty in New Zealand and overseas.
- Caritas helps New Zealanders understand the causes of poverty and injustice, and keep them informed of current aid, development and justice issues.
- Caritas' work is community, rather than individually based.