As a patient advocate, you have the power to amplify the voices and needs of people who face health challenges. But how can you ensure that your advocacy work is inclusive of diverse perspectives and experiences, and respectful of different cultures and identities? In this article, you will learn some strategies to make your advocacy work more inclusive, such as:
We all have biases, whether conscious or unconscious, that can affect how we perceive and interact with others. To be an inclusive advocate, you need to acknowledge and challenge your own biases, and avoid making assumptions or judgments based on stereotypes or generalizations. You can do this by educating yourself about the histories, cultures, and values of the communities you serve, and by seeking feedback and guidance from people who have different backgrounds and experiences than you.
I would also add that you must be willing to let go of control. I always say that I am advocating with versus advocating for. I am a curious mind in terms of establishing advocacy goals in that the person or group that I'm advocating with are the experts and they drive the bus, so to speak. It is impossible for us to successfully advocate with a person or group based on what we believe they need or want. Their voice must be prominent and they should always be determining the advocacy goals and outcomes. Otherwise, we are inserting our biases instead of truly listening to the needs of those we are advocating with.
Without reading the preface introduction, we all need to understand our own personal biases. Be real, we all come with pre-conditioned personal beliefs on others not familiar to us. What we need to do more of is condition personal biases and open up conversations as to why we continue to perpetuate closed dialogues.
One of the most important skills of an inclusive advocate is listening. Listening actively and empathetically means paying attention to what people are saying, as well as how they are saying it, and showing genuine interest and curiosity. It also means asking open-ended questions, clarifying your understanding, and acknowledging their emotions and concerns. By listening actively and empathetically, you can build trust and rapport with the people you advocate for, and learn more about their needs, preferences, and goals.
The way you communicate with the people you advocate for can have a big impact on how they feel and how they respond to your advocacy efforts. To use inclusive language and communication, you need to be aware of the words and terms that are appropriate and respectful for different groups and situations, and avoid those that are offensive or harmful. You also need to adapt your communication style and methods to suit the preferences and abilities of the people you advocate for, and to ensure that your messages are clear and accessible.
Another way to make your advocacy work more inclusive is to collaborate and partner with others who share your vision and values, and who can bring different perspectives and expertise to your advocacy efforts. You can do this by joining or creating networks, coalitions, or alliances with other advocates, organizations, or stakeholders who work on similar or related issues, and by engaging in dialogue, consultation, and co-creation with the people you advocate for. By collaborating and partnering with others, you can increase your reach and impact, and foster a sense of solidarity and empowerment among the people you serve.
Finally, to make your advocacy work more inclusive, you need to evaluate and improve your advocacy work on a regular basis. You can do this by setting clear and measurable goals and objectives for your advocacy work, and by collecting and analyzing data and feedback from the people you advocate for, as well as from other sources. You also need to reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses as an advocate, and identify areas where you need to learn more or improve your skills. By evaluating and improving your advocacy work, you can ensure that you are meeting the needs and expectations of the people you serve, and that you are contributing to positive social change.
Making advocacy work more inclusive involves actively ensuring that the voices and needs of all individuals, particularly those from marginalized or underrepresented groups, are recognized and addressed. Enhance advocacy inclusivity by diversifying leadership, actively listening to varied voices, promoting cultural competence, ensuring accessibility, and collaborating with community groups. Tailor messaging, adopt an intersectional approach, and engage in allyship. Collect data responsibly, offer training on diversity and inclusion, and advocate for flexible, community-centric policies. Regularly evaluate and adapt strategies to create a more inclusive and effective advocacy environment.