Advocacy Day is a yearly event in which individuals and groups gather at their state’s capitol to advocate for legislative policies and issues that affect lives. It is an opportunity for citizens to meet with elected officials and share concerns, experiences and views on important topics related to advocacy. This year, the all-day event was held on April 6, and was hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
In the fall semester of 2022, Langston University students gathered with the intent of forming a student-led organization on campus called IGNITE. To prepare, a one-hour training session was required from the ACLU for LU students to be considered to participate in Advocacy Day. During the day of the event, our student advocates met with elected officials to speak with them. The focus was to abolish the death penalty, and student advocates were assigned the task of convincing elected officials to commit or to at least consider the objective. “This is a great way for the students to learn the value of representation in public policy. If they can figure out the proper steps to represent themselves now, the changes they’d like to see in the future will come with ease,” said professor Andre Love, the advisor for the IGNITE organization.
Advocacy Day can be organized by advocacy organizations, nonprofits, and community groups; the purpoe is to provide a platform for citizens to have their voices heard and influence public policy decisions. The event included seminars, training sessions and lobbying efforts. Also, Advocacy groups distribute informational materials and use social media to raise awareness about their cause and engage other citizens.
Advocacy Day is an important part of the democratic process and helps to ensure that the government is responsive to the needs and interests of its citizens. Furthermore, it empowers individuals to make a difference in underrepresented communities by encouraging civic engagement. Our students feel as if they represented Langston exceptionally well, and are confident they will continue to advocate for social justice and reform while continuing to make a considerable contribution toward our society.
Jeremiah Harrison
Staff Writer
Jeremiah Harrison is a senior Broadcast Journalism major
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