Advocacy

Advocacy involves promoting the interests of a person or group of people.  An advocate is anyone who supports, recommends, or argues for a cause; this may include advocating for a specific policy or course of action.   Effective advocacy requires strategic preparation, mobilization, coordination, amplification, and importantly:  helping people find their voice.    Knowing your audience, being clear on your 'asks,' and balancing the presentation of information with human-centered storytelling are all critical aspects of effective advocacy efforts.  Like anything else, strong advocacy skills are built over time.

New Mexico needs a strong group of adult education and literacy advocates to help us raise awareness and advance support for our important work.   That means we need you!  Students, parents, teachers, administrators -- all have valuable perspectives and experiences to share, and each voice helps strengthen the others.  Everyone in the field is an advocate on some level, but some of you might choose to take it to the next level and actively work to champion the adult education and literacy cause.  

We invite you to explore the resources below to help get you started.  The New Mexico Adult Education Association (NMAEA) has an advocacy committee you can join to help build your skills and take further action.  Getting involved will help you connect with your colleagues and grow as a professional, while you are contributing to the important work of supporting adult education.  Win win!