Advocacy is the vehicle by which underserved and marginalized populations can be given a voice.  Effective advocacy serves to inform people about their rights and how to exercise them effectively.  Advocacy can also empower people to confront the biopsychosocial challenges they may struggle to overcome on their own – obstacles such as unemployment, economic/social status, physical or mental health issues, lack of educational resources, systematic oppression and social injustice.

The material in this book has been compiled from several sources, with an emphasis on The Community Toolbox. The Community Tool Box is a free, online resource for those working to build healthier communities and bring about social change. It offers thousands of pages of tips and tools for taking action in communities  (https://ctb.ku.edu/en/about-the-tool-box).  Relevant material has been extracted from this authoritative resource for our academic purposes.