Advocacy and Resource Linkage
Advocacy is with, not for
Advocacy happens at three levels: self-advocacy (supporting the person to speak for themselves), individual advocacy (speaking alongside or on behalf of someone when invited), and systemic advocacy (working on policies, coalitions, boards). Empowerment means the person sets the goal.
Linkage that works
- Get informed consent and a signed release of information before sharing anything; confirm scope, expiration, and right to revoke.
- Know local resources: housing, transportation, benefits, legal aid, employment, healthcare, mutual aid.
- Use warm handoffs: introduce the person, confirm the appointment, follow up, and close the loop.
- Document referrals factually and follow up on barriers such as ID, insurance, childcare, language, and stigma.
Traps
Doing for the person instead of with them, which builds dependency; promising outcomes you cannot control; sharing information without a release; choosing the person's goal for them; and letting your own agenda drive the advocacy. Meeting someone where they are is not enabling.
Worked example
A peer needs housing. Rather than calling and arranging everything, ask: 'Do you want me to help you make the call, sit with you while you do it, or make it for you?' Then honor the answer. That single question demonstrates the ethics of choice.
Rule of thumb
Never advocate past the person's stated goal; check in at every step.