The Power of Advocacy: Standing Up for Yourself & Others

Life often presents us with challenges that test our strength, courage, and determination. At times, we find ourselves in situations where we must speak up, fight for our rights, or protect what matters most — even when fear and uncertainty threaten to hold us back. Advocacy is not always easy, but it is always necessary.

I can't count the many times that I've felt extremely nervous speaking up especially in front of people who seem judgmental and unreasonable. The most recent time I was so nervous that my hands were shaking and it was difficult for me to think despite preparing for months. Being nervous and afraid can happen at any stage in life or any age. These emotions are very normal and might not ever disappear regardless of how prepared you are.

Whether you’re advocating for yourself, your loved ones, or a cause you care about, the ability to stand up and use your voice is one of the most powerful tools you have. Here’s why advocating is so important and how to navigate the process, even when it feels intimidating:

1. Why Advocacy Matters

Advocacy isn’t just about making your voice heard—it’s about ensuring your needs, values, and rights are respected. No one else can tell your story or express what you truly need as well as you can. By standing up for yourself, you not only protect your interests but also set a powerful example for others to do the same.

If you have children, the stakes are even higher. Children depend on us to advocate for them, to fight for their needs, and to model resilience and strength. They learn by watching how we navigate challenges, and our willingness to stand firm in the face of adversity teaches them to value their own voices.

2. Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

Advocating for yourself can be daunting, especially when the stakes are high. Fear of rejection, confrontation, or failure may hold you back. But here’s the truth: courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s the decision to move forward despite it.

Here are a few strategies to help you overcome fear:

• Prepare Yourself: Research, gather information, and know your facts. Preparation builds confidence.

• Practice Your Message: Rehearse what you want to say, either alone or with someone you trust.

• Focus on the Goal: Remind yourself why this matters. When the stakes feel personal, it’s easier to find the strength to push through.

3. Building Confidence Through Action

Confidence doesn’t appear overnight — it’s built through small, intentional actions. Start by advocating for yourself in everyday situations. Whether it’s asking for help, asserting your boundaries, or expressing your preferences, each step strengthens your ability to stand up for yourself.

Over time, these smaller moments of advocacy will prepare you for larger challenges. When you see that your voice makes a difference, you’ll feel more empowered to tackle even the most intimidating situations.

4. The Ripple Effect of Advocacy

When you stand up for yourself, you inspire others to do the same. Advocacy creates a ripple effect, encouraging those around you to find their voices and fight for what they believe in.

This is especially true for children. By advocating for their needs, you show them that their well-being is worth fighting for. More importantly, you teach them that they are capable of advocating for themselves as they grow.

5. Surround Yourself with Support

You don’t have to advocate alone. Surround yourself with a support system of friends, family, or mentors who can offer encouragement, advice, or even just a listening ear. Sharing your fears and challenges can help you feel less isolated and more empowered to take action.

6. Celebrate Your Wins

Advocating for yourself takes courage, effort, and resilience. No matter the outcome, recognize and celebrate your bravery. Each time you stand up for yourself, you grow stronger and more confident.

Even when the process feels overwhelming, remember that every step you take is progress. Advocacy is a journey, and every effort you make contributes to your growth and the well-being of those you’re fighting for.

Final Thoughts

Standing up for yourself isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. Whether you’re advocating for your own needs, protecting your children, or fighting for a cause you care about, your voice has power which took me a long time to realize.

Advocacy is about more than just achieving a specific outcome—it’s about valuing yourself enough to fight for what you deserve. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard, and refusing to settle for less than what’s right.

Believe it or not, the person you see in the photos below lacked a lot of confidence in the past. This photo was taken at the Super Bowl Experience where I worked for an organization that encourages people to take a pledge to treat everyone with respect and dignity, and to not tolerate racism or discrimination....to RISE up and be a Champion of Change.

There are still times that I doubt myself and even more times that I'm nervous in unfamiliar environments. The only way to move past fear is to go for it. We all experience everything for the first time but it gets so much easier the second time around! I started with being the change I wanted to see in my life. We can all be Champions of Change! We are the designers and producers of our own life!

So take a deep breath, gather your courage, and speak up. You are stronger than you think, and the world needs your voice.

P.S. If you'll like to learn more about becoming confident, please read my blog Building Confidence: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming More Confident.