How to Be a Self Advocate

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This article talks about what it means to be a self advocate and about how you can teach others self advocacy too.

Arya Banerjee, Photojournalist
January 30, 2023

Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for oneself and make one’s own needs and wants known. It is an important skill for individuals of all ages and abilities to possess, as it allows them to take control of their own lives and make informed decisions.

This can be difficult for some individuals, particularly those who have been marginalized or oppressed in some way. However, with practice, support, and dedication, anyone can learn to be an effective self-advocate.

One key aspect of self-advocacy is learning to communicate effectively. This includes being able to clearly state one’s needs and wants, as well as being able to listen actively and respectfully to the perspectives of others. It also involves having the ability to negotiate and make compromises when necessary. 

Self-advocacy is also knowing what you’re entitled to and being able to assert that. For example, if you work for a clothing company and your boss has you working overtime without giving you the benefits you deserve and are entitled to, you have to be able to assert yourself and stand up for yourself. “I struggle with self advocacy in my workplace and sometimes at school. But after learning more about it, I’ve tried to adopt this mindset of being a self advocate and it’s changed my life. I now have so much more confidence and I’ve even seen people treat me differently” (Anvi Bhagavatula 11).

 

Self-advocacy also involves having personal goals. This can include setting realistic and achievable goals for your grades, your social life, and hobbies. It’s knowing that you’re allowed to want things for yourself and not let people deter you or make you doubt what you’re capable of achieving. You must seek out the resources and help you need to achieve these goals because they’re important to you, and that matters. 

Self-advocacy is an especially crucial skill for individuals with disabilities and marginalized groups, but it is an important skill for everyone to learn. It helps individuals to be more confident and empowered in themselves and pushes them to take control of their own lives and make decisions about their life that will only move them forward, not set them back. 

It is important to understand that self-advocacy is not only about speaking up for oneself, but also about supporting others to do the same. Building a community of individuals who are able to advocate for themselves and each other is essential in creating a society where everyone’s voices are heard and respected.