Advocacy is for Everyone

This blog post was written by Katie Schadler, Alliance summer intern and student at Bucknell University.

Whether you think of yourself as an advocate or not, your support for the Alliance’s mission makes you more than a donor, a social media follower, or newsletter subscriber. It makes you an advocate for ending homelessness. 

Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as an advocate, your actions already speak volumes. Advocacy isn’t just for policy experts or public speakers – it’s for everyone. So why can advocacy feel distant or out of reach? And how do we overcome this?

We sat down with Tamina Chowdhury, the Alliance’s Director of Advocacy and Campaign Strategy, to dispel the myths of advocacy and why it’s core to an effective democracy.

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What is your definition of a good advocate?

A good advocate is someone who is curious, listens, leads with empathy, and stays committed to the cause – even when it’s uncomfortable, or when progress is slow-moving. It’s less about knowing all the answers and more about a willingness to speak up and stay committed to the process.  

Advocacy can look different for different people. But through advocacy, you can find a community of likeminded people who are also passionate and driven to bring change like you.

Why do you think people believe they cannot make a difference?

Advocacy is not just for experts with political experience. It’s for anyone who believes change is possible. Advocacy is speaking out on what you care about, and it is integral to the democratic process: if people don’t participate, the system doesn’t work. Democracy is not self-executing; it doesn’t flourish on its own. It takes all of us to keep it in check: not just during elections, but also in the moments in between.

What do you wish people better understood about their relationship with lawmakers?

Lawmakers work for the public. Conversation, transparency, and accountability are integral aspects of their role.  

For elected officials, it is literally their job to listen and make themselves available for us. You don’t need deep policy knowledge to engage. Our lived experiences and concerns are enough, and they matter!

How can the advocacy of everyday individuals spark change?

Advocacy became more prevalent in my life when I realized that the power behind personal stories could shift the conversation and open new doors. Whether you sign a petition, attend a town hall meeting, or write to your elected officials, change starts with everyday people speaking up and showing up.  

We’ve seen moments in history where protests or grassroots campaigning led to tangible change. Look no further than the Civil Rights Movement or the marriage equality movement. Whether you are making a poster for a rally or having a conversation with your neighbor, you are contributing to a larger lineage of efforts that allow us to change the problem. There is no small step; any step forward is important.

How can someone looking to take the first step get involved?

In a time where the country is divided, do not underestimate the power of conversation. Sharing lived experiences and facilitating a judgment-free conversation rooted in empathy with someone in your community is a great place to start. Rather than feeling like you need to know all the answers, you can look toward trusted organizations and movements whose goals and values align with your own!  

Advocacy looks different for everyone, and there are many ways to show up. As long as we continue to support one another and do what we can safely with the assets we have, we can all be advocates in our own way.  

How can someone become an advocate with the Alliance?

You can further your advocacy on ending homelessness by signing up for our advocacy alerts and learning more about ways to make an impact.  

As we continue to lead with love, equity, and respect for those we serve, remember the ways your voice can truly make a difference. All major movements start with people like you, and the Alliance is ready to take that next step with you!