Advocacy Tips
Advocating is fighting for your rights of for the rights of others. The following suggestions can help you succeed, but they're just suggestions, not rules.
- Ask for what you need. If you the person you ask can't help you, find out who can and then ask that person.
- If you're told "No," don't back down. Make a plan of action. Focus on your needs and your rights. Be persistent.
- Put your request in writing. This starts a paper trail. Keep a journal and write down the following information:
- Date and time of each contact
- Who you talked to
- What was said
- Save copies of any letters sent and received
- Will advocating for your rights be easy? Probably not, but it gets easier as you get more experience.
- What if you're told that you should be happy for what you're being offered? Respond that equal access is a right, not a gift or a favor.
- Will you be called a troublemaker? Probably. Our society likes children and teenagers to be obedient. You should remain calm. You have a better chance of getting what you need if you calmly state your request and point out that it's the law.
- What should you do if you run into a roadblock? Get support from your family, friends, or an advocacy organization. There are several organizations listed at the end of this guide.
For more information on your rights, call CORD at (508) 775-8300
or one of the other resources listed at the end of this guide.
or one of the other resources listed at the end of this guide.