“Child Advocacy”… such an official sounding term, isn’t it? Miriam Webster defines advocacy as “the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal”, and when broken down that way, it’s a pretty simple concept.
Many of us are child advocates in our daily lives and perhaps not even aware of it. If you’re a parent who is involved in supporting or promoting your child’s education or extra-curricular activities, that is advocacy. If you teach Sunday school or help in your church’s nursery, that is advocacy. If you contribute financially to any organization that is dedicated to improving the condition of a child in some way, that is advocacy.
At Forward Edge, child sponsorship is the fundamental way that we invite people to become child advocates. On the most basic level, it offers a sponsor the opportunity to invest financially in the holistic care of their child. However, because we so value and encourage relationship development between sponsor and child, it also provides them the means to contribute emotionally and spiritually through communication and visitation.
Here are a few additional ideas on how to boost your advocacy and impact:
In thinking about what other ways we might be able to maximize our advocacy, you can look to Zechariah 4:10 as an encouragement; “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” A little initiative can go a long way; you never know who might just be waiting for an invitation from you to join in impacting the life of a child.
P.S. If you’re enthusiastic about becoming more engaged as a Child Advocate, but need some help putting ideas together or working through the details, please contact us; we would love to help. Email us at fei@forwardedge.org or call 360-574-3343.
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Many of us have seen profile photos of children in sponsorship programs; they are often solemn, sad and sometimes down-right angry looking. I know I have thought at times, “Wow, that poor child must be so unhappy!” But then I come across a video from the same organization in which
11 yrs. old
Entered the program: October 2019
Jane lives with her grandmother, five siblings, and a young niece and nephew in a three-room wood house with electricity and cement floor. They fetch water from a borehole and their bathroom facility is not in good condition.
Jane’s mother left her and her siblings with their grandmother to look for work, but she barely makes enough to send for their support. Jane’s grandmother faces great hardship trying to care for all of the children left in her care.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
