What is advocacy?
Advocacy is the act of speaking out for something you believe in. Habitat for Humanity defines advocacy as changing systems, policies and attitudes to achieve decent housing for all. One of the best ways to change systems and policies is to change the attitudes of lawmakers.
Why lawmakers?
Lawmakers are the people who actually make and amend laws; they are present at all levels of government. There are lawmakers for your neighborhoods, counties, states and entire countries. To learn more about lawmakers and how laws are made, check out these sites: The official kids' portal for the United States Ben's guide to the U.S. Government for kids To find out who your lawmakers are and how to contact them, visit Congress. You can see who influences laws in your city, region, state and country.
Why advocate?
Volunteers everywhere are helping Habitat’s mission to eliminate poverty housing by physically lifting a hammer and building houses. This is a part of ending poverty housing, but it isn’t enough. In 30 years, Habitat for Humanity has built over 200,000 homes for over 1 million people around the world. However, the need for safe, decent shelter is growing faster than we can build. Other actions are necessary to assist people who live in poverty. Advocacy is the realization that it takes more than a hammer to end poverty housing. Advocacy efforts include raising awareness and influencing lawmakers. Creating and amending laws can leave lasting effects on poverty issues for large numbers of people.
How can I advocate for simple, decent, affordable housing?
You can contact your lawmakers by sending Habitat for Humanity’s paper house and letter. The pre-made design of a house is available for you to print, cut, color and fold. There is a letter to send with the house that can be personalized for an individual or a group. There is also a link to locate lawmakers’ contact information. Find house, letter and contact information. For more information on Habitat for Humanity’s youth involvement, including advocacy efforts, sign up for the Campus Chapters and Youth Programs Update by sending a blank e-mail to join-ypupdate@lists.habitatforhumanity.org.
