Discussion Post: The Roles of Advocates & Consultants in Social Change
The Alliance for Justice defines advocacy as ". . .any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others" (p. 1). Advocates may educate the community, policymakers, populations, and even politicians about a social problem. Consultants provide expert advice and are often hired for a fee to provide strategic guidance, financial recommendations, methods to capture data and metrics, and many other activities.
You will consider the roles of advocates and consultants in the community needs assessment plan that you are working on for your Final Project.
Alliance for Justice. (n.d.). What is advocacy? Definitions and examples.
1) Review the Learning Resources on the roles of advocates and consultants in community needs assessments. Think about how advocates and consultants can offer unique insights about why the problem exists, propose alternatives for how the problem can be solved, help people align their thinking, and establish common ground.
2) Reflect on the social problem that you chose for the Final Project. Based upon the Learning Resources this week, think about the roles that advocates and consultants would play in the community needs assessment.
Post a brief description of the social issue or problem that you chose for the Project. Then, explain the roles that advocates and consultants will play in the community needs assessment that you are planning for your Final Project. Be sure to include how these roles are similar to and different from each other and how they help to address the social problem.
The response must include a reference list. Using one-inch margins, double-space, Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.