2023 Summer

ADVOCACY TRAINING

deserves a decent

place to live.

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Be comfortable!!

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Questions are welcome and encouraged!      

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     Have a question? Either raise your hand or put it in the chat box and we’ll answer it!

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To record or not to record …                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

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HOUSEKEEPING

We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Presenters

Tapiwa Jere – Advocacy Organizer

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Madison Vernon – Repair Program Manager

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Cliff Cawthon – Advocacy & Policy Manager

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Jesse Simpson – HDC Government Relations & Policy Manager

We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

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1) What is advocacy?

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- definition

- types of advocacy

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2) Why advocate?

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- why is this important?

- why do we need advocacy + advocates?

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3) How can we change the world/advocate?

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- how do you become an advocate

- practical example of advocacy

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SEATTLE HOUSING LEVY

We envision a world where everyone has a safe, decent, and affordable place to live.  

We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

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WHAT is advocacy?

We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

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We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

ad·vo·ca·cy

• “The act or process of supporting a cause or an issue.”

Merriam Webster

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• “Advocacy involves promoting the interests or cause of someone or a group of people.” 
• “An advocate is a person who argues for, recommends, or supports a cause or policy.” 

WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities

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Think: What are some ways that you have/are currently engaging in advocacy?

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WHY advocate?

We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

In King County, less than 50% of BIPoC households own their home

68% of low-income households in King County spend more than 30% of their income of housing.

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The median sale price for a home in King County is $755,300

Unfavorable policies and restrictions make it extremely difficult to provide affordable homeownership opportunities. 

In Washington, 

1 in 7 households- nearly 400,000 spend half or more of their income on housing

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Why is advocacy important?

• Brings public awareness to your cause or issue.
• Gives you a voice in the decision-making process.
• Can demonstrate community power.
• Can bring about swift, broad reaching change.

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BONUS REASON: it’s fun

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We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

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ACTIVITY TIME:��SPENT

We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

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HOW to advocate?

We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Examples of Advocacy Actions

“Inside” Advocacy:

Direct advocacy to decision makers

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• Testify at public hearing
• Write a letter to decision maker
• Meet in person with decision maker
• Call decision maker
• Meet with decision maker’s staff
• Serve on a council, board, or other advisory group
• Lawsuit

“Outside” Advocacy:

Build support & indirectly pressure decision makers

• Write an op-ed or article
• Or talk to journalists to get an article written
• Hold educational events or trainings
• Protest
• Social media campaigns
• Send “action alerts”
• Coalition building
• Research the topic and share information

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We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Taking care of yourself looks like …

• Saying “no" and stepping back.

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• "This isn't about me, it's about we".

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• Accepting your limitations and forgive yourself for mistakes. 

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• Remembering: your voice matters

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We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Story time! Advocacy in Action

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In photo: Michelle Dozier, Toya Thomas and Elimika James face eviction from the Renton Woods apartments. 

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How YOU can start being an advocate today!

Sign up for Habitat Action Alerts! 

Send a letter to your decision makers!

Find an issue you’re passionate about/affecting you and do something about it!

Help with the Seattle Housing Levy!!!

TEXT ‘HABITAT’ TO 231-HABITAT (231-422-4828)

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GAME TIME:

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HOUSING EDITION TRIVIA��

We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Contact Us

Habitat for Humanity Seattle – King County

500 Naches Avenue SW, Suite 110

Renton, WA 98057

(206) 453-2950

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Follow our social media accounts @habitatskc

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Text Habitat to 231-Habitat (231-422-4828) to sign up for our Advocacy Alerts!

We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.