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Be a . . .
ADVOCATE
What is an advocate?
An advocate is a person who works to bring about change by interacting with government
officials, heads of corporations, the media, or any group that has power or influence
with regard to a particular issue.
Description
An advocate's work involves influencing decisions about:
- government and industry policies and programs
- the development or amendment of proposed laws
- who receives grants and other financial aid
- who is awarded contracts
The work can encompass any or all of the following:
- assessing the needs of groups affected by specific policies
- conducting research
- recommending courses of action
- meeting with appropriate officials, such as politicians and heads of corporations
- writing reports and press releases
Education/Training
- Background in political science, law, history, economics,
- Journalism, communications
Skills
- analytical
- able to solve problems
- a strong communicator
- persistent
- persuasive
- organized
- research-oriented
Think about:
What can an advocate do in Cambodia, Angola, Bosnia, or another country with
land mines?
What qualities or interests do you have that would be useful in a career as an advocate?
International Connections:
For all careers there are international opportunities that people can pursue.
Some careers offer short-term international connections of a few months or years;
others present possibilities to span an entire career:
- working to change the policies of/gathering information for international agencies
and governments
- working for non-governmental organizations on international issues such as the
environment, poverty relief, disarmament, etc.
- influencing journalists regarding public reporting of international issues
- raising public awareness of issues internationally
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