People often want to help others, but don’t know where to begin. Here is a list of some things to think about if you are considering becoming and advocate. One great way to get started is to contact your local Community Action Agency. They can work with you to examine community needs and ways you can help.
- Define your issues
- What problem do you see in your community?
- Is there a lack of living wage jobs? Are employers offered incentives to move into the community?
- Is there adequate safe, affordable housing for low income workers?
- Is there local childcare available to allow people to work?
- Is there affordable medical care in the community?
- Are local services like Police and Ambulance services available to protect and serve low income people?
- Is affordable public transportation available to help low income people get to work, school, and medical care?
- Is there access to banks so people can build assets like checking and savings accounts, and get fair home loans?
- Create solutions. It is important that once you know your issues you should be able to offer solutions that address the needs of the community.
- A change in local policy to encourage more employers to pay a "living wage".
- A plan to develop safe and affordable housing for low income people.
- Improving public transportation.
- Creating better childcare facilities.
- Starting a community health clinic.
- Discuss the issues and gather support from civic groups, churches, schools, local government and charitable organizations.
- Discuss the issue with friends and people you know.
- Attend town hall meetings.
- Get involved with city council.
- Write your representative.
- A letter to the editor of your newspaper.
- Implement your plan and see your entire community benefit.