What is Courageous Advocacy?

Courageous advocacy is defined by the Church of England as “the act of speaking out against an issue of injustice, often on behalf of those whose voice is not heard.” At St Andrew’s, we encourage and support our children to become courageous advocates who believe that they can become ‘agents of change’ to strive towards a fairer and more joyous world. This means that they champion causes that are special and meaningful to them; connected to matters and concerns personal and close to home for them or linked to wider global issues.

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)

 

How to be a Courageous Advocate

Below are some simple steps to consider when advocating for a cause:

Step 1: Identify a problem or issue you care about.
Step 2: Investigate as much as you can so understand/consider all views.
Step 3: Work out what can be done to change or improve it.
Step 4: Identify the people with influence to make those changes.
Step 5: Consider whose help you might use to make your voice more persuasive.
Step 6: Persuade those with the power to make changes to do something about it.

 

Courageous Advocacy at St Andrew’s

St Andrew’s is a strong Christian community where all can ‘let their light shine’ (Matthew 5:16). Our school is guided by God’s teachings of compassion, achievement, respect and enjoyment, enabling everyone to thrive as happy and fulfilled individuals. Ignited by God’s Spirit, our children shine as a light in the world.

All acts of courageous advocacy at St Andrew’s are driven by our school’s Christian vision. Children act together with a purpose that people may live happily together in unity. Our Christian vision encompasses God’s vision that everyone should live well together. Respect and Compassion are two of our core Christian values and are at the heart of all actions and decision making by children and adults. Another core Christian value is Achievement; we actively promote the value of achievement through serving God and by doing that, serving others in the school, local and global communities.

“Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)