The final way of giving back identified in A Path Appears is advocacy – giving voice. Advocacy can be as simple as making a phone call to a representative or council member. and expand to writing a letter to the editor or collecting signatures on a petition. It can become as consuming as speaking out in public meetings or even running for office yourself.

Being a good advocate requires effort. Identify a few issues that matter to you. Then start researching them. Read a variety of sources and compare their viewpoints. See what experts on all sides of the issue recommend. Make your decision about what you want to advocate for based on the fruits of that research and your own values. You may be able to find an advocacy group that sends its members action alerts and background information. Look for organizations that speak on on issues that interest you.

When making a call or writing a letter keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Be polite.
• Keep it short.
• Stick to the facts.
• Give specific examples where possible.
• Mention any action the person or agency has taken in the past.
• Ask to be kept up-to-date on what is happening about this issue and read any newsletters, etc. that you receive.
• If your advocacy bears fruit, say thank you. If it does not, keep asking!