Question

GIVE TWO EXAMPLE OF AN ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN AND DISCUSS TWO WAYS IN WHICH IT CAN RAISE AWARENESS

Answer 1

Any time you do something on behalf of someone else, it can be considered advocacy. As a result, there are many, many examples that can be given. One example, however, is particularly relevant in contemporary western societies - voter registration. By facilitating voter registration (and subsequently encouraging them to vote), you empower others and allow them to take an active role in their own lives. Because of this many will also become more interested in the local, state and national government processes - which may even provide the impetus for some to run for public office themselves.

Of course there are other examples as well. But I think that advocacy, in it’s truest sense, is the notion of helping others who, for whatever reason, are unable to effectively help themselves. Ideally these people might then be able to advocate for others, in a “pay it forward” type of process.

Answer 2

Two examples of advocacy campaigns are

• The ‘He-for-She’ campaign by the UN for advancement of gender equality and second.
• The ‘Post it Forward’ campaign by Tumblr to promote support and positivity within online communities.

The two ways wherein advocacy campaign can raise awareness are:

• Media advocacy
• Mass advocacy.

EXPLANATION:

Advocacy campaign is an activity by a group or individual who intends to impact decisions within economic, social and political systems and institutions. The two examples of advocacy campaign are one, The ‘He-for-She’ campaign which was started by the United Nations in the year 2014 for the purpose of progression of and improvement in gender equality.

It strived to actively include boys and men in a movement against unfairness and inequality which was primarily believed to be a struggle for women only by women.

The second example is the launching of ‘Post It Forward’ in the year 2015 by Tumblr to breakdown silos of body shaming, cyberbullying and others issues associated with sexuality.

Tumblr launched this advocacy campaign to promote support and positivity within online communities. Individuals were invited for sharing their personal struggles and stories sans the fear of being 'judged'. Individuals enduring psychological or emotional distress could involve in an affirmative conversation and find the backing they required.

The two way wherein advocacy campaign could raise awareness is one, media advocacy is the strategic use of mediums such as radio, TV, and the Internet to promote 'public debate' and 'generate public support' for changes in 'community policies' and norms.

The biggest benefit of this kind of campaign is their reach, as these mediums are widely utilised and their impact on people’s opinion building is extremely high.

Another way to raise awareness through an advocacy campaign is mass advocacy. It is any type of action taken by a large group by way of a petition or demonstration.

The objective of a petition or demonstration is to make certain decision making bodies/institutions aware of a prevailing problem. The will to partake in such event is an indication of a raised awareness already .