Advocacy is the behind-the-scenes action that allows Habitat for Humanity to work toward its mission to eliminate substandard housing. Building is the most tangible aspect of this mission, and it’s no wonder why Habitat usually has legions of volunteers. But while building is central to Habitat’s mission, it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. Building cannot take place if the affiliates are without land to build on; and affiliates cannot acquire the land without public opinion in their favor, driving local governments to help them secure it. Advocacy is the realization that it takes more than a hammer to end poverty housing.
Volunteers everywhere are supporting 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 doesn’t end there. In 30 years Habitat for Humanity has built more than 225,000 homes with more than 1 million people around the world. But the need for safe, decent shelter is growing faster than we can build. More than 100 million people in the world today are homeless, according to United Nations’ estimates, and millions more face severe housing problems—living without adequate sanitation, electricity and security. Habitat for Humanity would need to build 200,000 homes per year for the next 50 years to solve the present worldwide housing crisis. At the end of those 50 years, there would still be a need for another 1 billion houses due to growth trends. It is clear that other actions are necessary to assist people who live in poverty. Habitat needs to change systems, attitudes, policies and institutional behaviors that lead to inadequate housing and homelessness. These goals require new ways of thinking and long-term efforts in every facet of the organization to bring about lasting change. Advocacy is one part of that effort.
Advocacy Toolkit A comprehensive guide to developing youth advocacy. Includes checklists and tips to for planning and implementing advocacy events, statistics, HFH information, etc. Youth Activities Teach fun curriculum, host a candlelight vigil, or lead a reflection. This guide has a variety of simple, interesting activities to help youth learn and promote change. Letter Writing Campaign Learn about how you can make influence lawmakers. Resources to find contact information, sample letters and more information are included. Habitat for Humanity’s Government Relations and Advocacy site Habitat for Humanity defines advocacy as changing systems, policies and attitudes to achieve decent housing for all. Act! Speak! Build! Week Habitat’s international, student-initiated week of advocacy. It empowers youth to educate themselves and their communities and move people to social action. Check out our monthly advocacy updates These updates are available in the Youth Programs monthly e-mail newsletter. To subscribe, send a blank e-email to join-ypupdate@lists.habitatforhumanity.org . October 2007 September 2007
