“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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8 yrs. old
Entered the program: November 2025
Barikisu lives with her father, mother, 2 stepmothers, 3 full siblings, and 5 halfsiblings as part of a large polygamous Muslim family. Their six-room home is constructed of mud, with a thatch roof and a dirt floor, and houses 11 people.
Barikisu’s father is a farmer and cultivates maize, though what he harvests does not provide enough food to sustain them through to the next farming season. Her mother does not work. The family usually has two meals a day and sometimes the adults don’t eat so that there is enough for the children. They struggle to provide for all the needs of the children especially their education. Without help from CHG, Amina would not be able to attend school regularly for lack of school fees, a uniform and shoes, and supplies.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
