Advocacy and Why it Matters
In a time where it feels like there’s more energy going around to disenfranchise others rather than empower people, we’ve been talking here at the office about the importance of advocacy. It's so easy to just focus on yourself and your little bubble and shrug off social issues as not your problem. But if this world is going to be a better place, awareness of the greater society is a step you can take toward being an advocate for others. Advocacy comes from education and understanding the issues. The awareness and understanding helps mobilize groups into actions that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others.
Through my involvement and education through the Women’s Business Council Southwest and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council I am an advocate for not only women-owned businesses, but business-owners from other groups; minorities, veterans, and LGBTQ+. Advocacy groups exist separately for each of those categories, but together we’re all working toward opportunities to create jobs, grow our businesses and make an impact in our communities. Personally, I get the most enjoyment when I get to connect with someone and then find an opportunity to lift them up. Whether it is a well-timed introduction, spotting a business opportunity, speaking up for their capabilities or nominating them for recognition, seeing someone else grow and succeed is the most satisfying part of being an advocate. And when we see the key measurements of these advocacy organizations grow year after year, it shows me my individual efforts are making a difference.