What is advocacy and why is it important?

Advocacy is support in action. It means speaking up about something that matters to you. Whether it’s your own voice or the voices of others you’re elevating, advocacy is about pushing for change – locally, provincially or nationally. 

Your voice matters. It can create real change

A powerful example is the 2023 Greenbelt victory. After widespread petitions, rallies and persistent pressure, the Ontario government reversed its decision to open the Greenbelt for development. This win protected the environment, agricultural land and Indigenous rights. It is proof that collective advocacy can make a real difference. 

What is an advocate?

An advocate is anyone who takes a stand, speaks out, and takes action on behalf of themselves, others or an issue they care about. They give voice to issues impacting communities, they are the champions of causes that need attention, and the change-makers who push for progress. Whether you are supporting yourself, addressing a local concern, or fighting for fairness, your efforts count!

Real Change is Possible 

Many things are possible when people come together and take a stand. Just this year in 2025, students of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB), community members, local advocacy groups, allied school board trustees and the MPP’s office successfully opposed a proposed ban on Pride flags and political symbols by the WCDSB Board of Trustees. Through coordinated advocacy – including direct outreach, protests and media engagement, the ban was defeated. This was a tangible win for our community and 2SLGBTQIA+ students.

Where do I start?

Here is a handy checklist for getting started on your advocacy journey:

1. Find your “why”

What is important to you? What do you believe needs to change in your community? Use this to identify your cause and explore why it is important to you. For example, you may determine that poverty is something you are concerned about, after all an estimated 10% of Canadians are living in poverty. You can choose whatever is important to you!

2. Be specific!

Narrow down your focus. Do your research: talk to community members, read reports, speak with experts and explore lived experiences. For example, based on research showing the disproportionate rates of people with disabilities living in poverty, you may determine that ODSP rates should increase. 

3. Use your 5 W’s – and one H!

Clarify your plan:

• Who is affected?
• What change do you want?
• Where will it take place?
• When should it happen?
• How will it happen?

Starting with specific, manageable asks help to set you up for success.

For example, you may decide that you want the provincial government to increase ODSP rates by double by 2027 to reduce poverty for Ontarians with disabilities. Raising the rates of individual recipients from a maximum of $1408 to $2816 will bring the nearly 500,000 recipients of ODSP above the poverty line. 

4. Set your goal

Summarize your advocacy in one clear sentence.

Example:  I am advocating for the Ontario government to raise ODSP rates by double by 2027 to bring nearly 500,000 Ontarians out of poverty. 

Completed all your steps? Congratulations! You are ready to progress to the next stage of your advocacy journey!

Advocacy, here we come!

Now that you have your cause and your goal, you are ready for action. There are many paths towards advocacy, and many tools you can add to your toolbox. Below, you will find six different methods of advocacy and their purpose, that you many choose to use to create change in your community around your chosen issue.

Action Item	Purpose	Example
Do your research	This is one of the most important steps in your journey. This allows you to be informed, build credibility and shape your message.	Look up the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, speak to ODSP recipients, gather statistics from government sites, read news articles and online reports.
Find other people, groups and organizations with similar causes.	This allows you to determine what has already been done and what is being done around your chosen issue. It also allows you the choice to join an already established movement, building on collective knowledge and capitalizing on people power!	Search online for ODSP advocacy groups, attend rallies or town halls, reach out to organizers.
Use traditional media, like news media and newspapers. You can talk to newspapers and journalists, or write an Op-Ed for your local paper. See tips for writing an Op-Ed below.	This can raise awareness and influence public opinion.	Write an Op-Ed or speak to a journalist covering social assistance issues.
Contact your local agency or government representative (organizational leadership, city councilor, Member of Provincial Parliament or Member of Parliament) by phone, email or in person.	Contacting your local representative helps to bring awareness to your chosen issue, advocate for systemic change, influence the opinion of elected officials and staff and also provides you with an opportunity to learn about agency/government processes.	Meet or write to your MPP about ODSP, share your story and ask for their support.
Use Social Media. Make a post, video or write a blog on your preferred platform with education and a call to action. Let people know why they should care about this issue.	Social Media is a unique tool to build awareness of your cause quickly. It provides an effective platform to build momentum and connections between people and movements.	Create an post or video on your chosen social media platform explaining ODSP and why people should care.
Participate in or organize a public demonstration such as a rally, protest or town hall.	Public Demonstrations are also an effective tool to increase awareness, build connections/community and show that others care. It is important to ensure that you are familiar with safety protocols for public action and local laws.	Partner with local leaders to host a town hall or peaceful rally advocating for increasing ODSP rates.
Start a petition. Petitions are documents that discuss the issue and ask, as well as contain the signatures of supporters of said cause. For provincial matters in Ontario, this must be done via paper and submitted in its original form.	Petitions are a tool that help to build awareness, show government representatives that others care about this issue too and have the potential to impact policy or legislation.	Collect signatures asking the province to raise ODSP rates and submit the petition to your MPP. (Note: Provincial Petitions must be paper-based and original copies must be submitted).

Working through Roadblocks:

Advocacy can be equal parts rewarding and challenging. You may face rejection, fatigue or moments of doubt. That is ok, it’s all part of the process. 

Tips to keep going:

• When you hear “no” from others or elected officials, this is not a reflection of your cause, but often just part of the larger struggle for change. True change takes time and every step matters. Take this as information, how might you learn from this, and build support for your cause.
• Take care of yourself! Take breaks, be honest with yourself about how much you can do and discover what recharges you.
• Find your people – they will lift you up and keep you going on the hard days.
• Remember your why. Why are you doing this, and why is it important? This will keep you going on the toughest days. Your voice is important and needed!

Understanding Jurisdiction: Who to Talk to

It may be helpful to understand where the issue is located so that you can tailor your advocacy efforts. For example, is it with a private business or organization, a municipal issue, provincial issue or federal issue? 

Here is a breakdown of the jurisdictions of the levels of government. When in doubt, contact your local representative for advice. 

Municipal	Provincial	Federal
City Hall Libraries Waste/Wastewater Municipal property taxes Parks and Recreation Public Transit Road Maintenance Fire Services Community/Social services Building permits Local Police Animal Control	Labour and employment Education Health care Drivers’ license and other forms of identification Highways Housing Justice National Resources Social assistance Energy Property and civil rights Liquor and cannabis Environment Provincial courts	Airports Borders Charter of Rights and Freedoms Canada Child Benefit Currencies Fisheries and oceans National defense Indigenous lands and rights Employment Insurance Immigration National Parks Environment National RCMP

How to write an Op-Ed

1. Take a position. You want to make one clear argument related to your area of concern. The purpose of an Op-Ed is to argue this position, so it is important that your position is clear and stated plainly. You also want to have a good understanding of the counterpoints and address these. 

2. Keep in mind that you are writing this to a broad audience. Keep your language clear and understandable while avoiding technical jargon. Use short sentences and paragraphs and use an active voice through “I” statements. 

3. Start with a “hook”. Make an interesting or thought provoking statement that is connected to a timely issue or personal experience. You want to gain the attention of readers right away. 

4. Explain the “So, what?” of it all. Why should people care about this issue? Provide the knowledge and facts you have gathered. 

5. Make 2-3 main points about your chosen issue, including addressing any counterpoints that might refute your position. 

6. Make a short conclusion. Leave people with an understanding of what will happen if this issue is not addressed or leave with a thought provoking question. 

7. Based on what you have written, capture your overall meaning with a catchy headline. 

8. You want to keep it short- Around 600 words and no more than 750 words. 

9. Be prepared for this opinion to be associated with your name and media outlets may contact you to discuss your opinion. 

Wisdom from Citizen’s Climate Lobby

The Citizen’s Climate Lobby is an organization that works to effectively and creatively lobby for climate protections in Canada. As an organization with a wealth of wisdom, they discuss four guideposts for creating change:

1. Track everything!
2. Be highly organized and prioritize rest to avoid burnout.
3. Develop transformational relationships with everyone involved, including MPPs and MPs.
4. Collaborate with other organizations.
   

You can find more about their efforts and successes in creating change for our environment on their website. 

Final Thoughts

Advocacy can feel overwhelming, but every action (big or small) makes a difference. Real change happens when people like you speak up and take action. 

Your voice is powerful. Lets get started. 

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