"You must be the change you want to see in the world."- Gandhi
Advocacy it the act of arguing on behalf of a particular issue, idea or person. Individuals, organizations, businesses, and governments (for example at the level of the United Nations) can engage in advocacy. An example of advocating for a particular issue is attempting to persuade others of the importance of implementing UN Security Council 1325, on gender and peace building.
Advocating for an idea can include a wide range of subjects as broad as social justice. For example, someone can engage in environmental advocacy, which can include writing letters to the editor, contacting political representatives, organizing community meetings, distributing public education materials, participating in a public protest, or other means to communicate one's views for the purpose public policy and social change.
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Advocacy: Organized activism related to a particular set of issues.
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Activism: Intentional action to bring about social or political change.
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The following web resources are intended to enable and encourage UM-Dearborn students to become active citizens by providing information and resources on many social and environmental issues. This is by no means a comprehensive list but our goal is to provide a first step into the world of advocacy, activism, and social responsibility.
United States Student Association
"Education is a Right"
The United States Student Association (USSA) is the country's oldest and largest national student organization, representing millions of students. Founded in 1947, USSA is the recognized voice for students on Capitol Hill, in the White House, and in the Department of Education. www.usstudents.org/p.asp
Action Against Hunger
The mission of Action Against Hunger is to save lives by eliminating hunger through the prevention, detection, and treatment of malnutrition, especially during and after emergency situations of conflict, war and natural disaster. www.aah-usa.org
UNAIDS
UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, brings together the efforts and resources of ten UN system organizations to the global AIDS response. www.unaids.org/en/default.asp
Political Advocacy Groups
A Directory of Advocacy Groups in the United States, A-Z. www.csuchico.edu/~kfountain/civilrights.html
International Development Exchange (IDEX)-Building Alliances for Social Change
IDEX is a San Francisco-based non-profit organization that partners with grassroots groups in Africa, Asia and Latin America, while actively engaging and educating North Americans in the challenges facing communities in these regions. www.index.org
World Medical Relief
Established in 1953, World Medical Relief is a multi-funded, non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to impact the well-being of the medically improverished on a local, national, and international basis. worldmedicalrelief.com
Habitat For Humanity-Detroit
Habitat For Humanity Detroit works in partnership with the community and families in need to build simple, decent, affordable housing. www.habitatdetroit.org
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, founded in 1979, is a leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities. www.dredf.org
Stand Up For Kids
The mission of STANDUP FOR KIDS is to help homeless and street kids. The mission shall be carried out by a national volunteer force whose on-the-streets outreach efforts will find, stabilize and assist homeless and street kids in their efforts to improve their lives. www.standupforkids.org
Gleaners Community Food Bank
As the third-oldest food bank in the United States, Gleaners Community Food Bank's mission has been to turn surplus food, which otherwise would go to waste, into millions of delicious meals for hungry people in Southeastern Michigan. www.gcfb.org/site/PageServer
The University of Michigan-Dearborn, The UM-Dearborn Student Activities Office, Volunteer Dearborn & the program for Volunteer Services & Community does not endorse the issues, organizations, or actions presented on this page. This resource page is simply intended to facilitate individual commitment to proactive civic engagement and social change.
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