What Advocacy Looks Like to Me

The Oxford English Dictionary defines advocacy as the following: “public support that somebody gives to an idea, a course of action or a belief,” or “support, advice and help given to people, often with special needs or aims, who are unable to speak for themselves.” At its core, advocacy is about providing support to others who may need it. To me, advocacy means using the platforms and opportunities available to you to educate, support, and uplift others in meaningful ways that improve their lives.

One thing I have learned in college is that as Asian Americans, we have a certain privilege that often goes unnoticed: we are surrounded by opportunities to be advocates. Whether it be for local or global communities, we are privileged to have platforms within our families, friends, media, schools, and more to make a difference. We can speak up against political or social issues we feel strongly about. We can fundraise or host events that increase awareness and provide tangible support for others. We have the ability to educate ourselves on topics and issues we care about, and most importantly, we have spaces where we can share with others what we know or learn. 

One way that I have tried to be an advocate is by making others more aware of hardships and current issues faced by communities in the Philippines. I got to go there this past summer with the PUSO Foundation and see firsthand how PUSO has supported communities there, through medical missions, rebuilding homes with their Hope Reframed project, and improving the educational circumstances of children in various communities. I ensured that from every experience, every conversation, every moment, I was learning. The most memorable aspect of the trip for me was getting to hear and learn of all the stories of the PUSO beneficiaries, seeing how PUSO was an advocate for them at their lowest and how it led to significant improvement in their lives and those of their families. But they all urged my fellow volunteers and me to recognize that there are still struggles for many on the island to live happily, comfortably, or survive at all. 

Since returning, I have continued to advocate for the people I met by sharing their stories and encouraging conversations about the issues they face. I try to use what I learned abroad to support and bring awareness to my global Filipino community in any way I can.

For me, a major source of how I advocate comes from advocates that I look up to. While there are many, in history, today’s world, on my campus, or in my personal life, there are certain characteristics that I find they share. When it comes to their advocacy, their confidence, conviction, self-driven enlightenment, and most especially their open-mindedness are exceptional. To me, effective advocacy requires both knowledge and the willingness to take initiative, along with the ability to listen and continue growing.
In the end, what advocacy looks like to me is an ongoing commitment to learning, speaking up, and using the opportunities I have to support others. It is not limited to one action or one place, but is shaped by how I choose to show up in my communities and what I choose to do with what I learn. Through my experiences, I have come to understand that advocacy is both personal and shared. It grows when we listen to others, share their stories, and take meaningful action. Moving forward, I hope to continue practicing advocacy in ways that are grounded in awareness, respect, and a genuine effort to make a difference.