EMPOWERMENT/ADVOCACY

Empowerment and advocacy theory is a broad theoretical framework that embraces all aspects of client’s life, and seeks to aid clients in attaining power on decisions and actions in their own lives. Empowerment and advocacy theory has some attributes related to critical, feminist, and anti-discrimination theories. The theory stems from the desire to facilitate people to defeat barriers while achieving their objectives (Grande, 2004). Empowerment supports clients by equipping them with the tools they need in order to create change, become assertive and develop confidence. It also challenges oppression and encourage clients to become self advocates (Payne 2005). Moreso it involves working with clients through routes of mutual support and dialogical learning with social workers aiming at portraying obstacles in clients life.

Advocacy on the other hand is crucial in speaking for the people, as well as interpreting, and presenting the people needs to the authority. Advocacy incorporates protection of the vulnerable people, creation of support that enhances societal functioning, protection and advancing claims or appeals and cultivating identity and control. This approach stresses the importance of transforming the client from passive consumers to active participants in their lives (Howe, 2009). Advocacy is one thing I have become so confident of that I will forever carry with me. I have done a lot of self advocacy since I arrived in Canada due to many oppressive situations I encountered. I however managed to find my voice in some through some of these situations and become more poised to advocate for the vulnerable I will come into contact with throughout my career. My work with the mustard seed as an Aftercare Caseworker involves around working with the homeless population. In an attempt to find affordable housing for them, I instill in them the power of assertiveness to advocate for themselves wherever they are challenged. They are empowered through skills training on independent living.