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3 Ways To Be An Advocate
Advocacy is important. It captures people’s attention and brings awareness to problems the world faces. At the Borgen Project, I believe in encouraging people to advocate for those facing severe poverty. I’ve called and emailed members of Congress to support the MINDS Act and the End Tuberculosis Now Act.
While it may seem unrealistic to call or email a congressional member and expect them to take your request, they do respond to calls and emails. Recently, I emailed Representative Emilia Sykes to support the MINDS Act and she did respond to me. I’ve also learned that one person can make a difference and that it’s vitally important that we educate ourselves and become advocates for the world around us. From my internship at The Borgen Project here are three ways I’ve gleaned on how to become an advocate whether that’s for a bill or any issues you care about.
Educate Yourself
Before speaking about a topic, you must learn at least the basics. I learned about the MINDS Act and the End Tuberculosis Act before calling, writing letters and emailing my congressional members. What both these acts have in common is that they are trying to bring aid and support to those in developing countries because they lack the resources to support themselves. You don’t have to learn every single detail but just know enough to explain to someone else why this bill or issue matters.
Post on social media
Since most people, especially Generation Z, gets their news from social media it is helpful tool to educate yourself and others as long as it’s used wisely and not to promote an agenda. It is common for people to just post for the sake of posting or because they are angry over something. Be sure to calm down and think about what you’ll post or share first before doing so.
Give talks at school, other nonprofits or church
Schools and college campuses are good ways to spread information in person. Make sure though that it’s to a department or class that will be interested in your topic. It could be a social studies class or department. If a church or nonprofit has a similar mission you can see if you can give a speech.
Advocacy is vital and it is important because every voice counts and one person can make a difference.
Mental Health in the Developing World
In September 2022, Congressman Bobby Scott presented the Mental Health Matters Act to prioritize the physiological and psychological well-being of Americans since COVID-19. COVID-19 messed with the mental health of Americans and people across the world, especially those in poverty.
Historically, mental health has been widely misunderstood globally, especially in developing countries. According to The Diversity Story, mental illness has often been associated with insanity. This negative stereotyping is influenced by societal factors.
Poverty and mental illness cannot be overlooked as both influence people’s ability to function. Studies show that 75% of people in developing countries lack mental health support. 73% of people living in developing countries commit suicide. According to a Psychiatric Times article, mental health issues , such as depression can also lead to disabilities.
This is why it is essential that we support the MINDS Act to bring awareness about mental health in developing countries. Mental health and poverty are linked because without being able to provide for oneself, a person’s self-esteem and mental health will deteriorate.
The US has the funds and the resources to provide mental health support to developing countries.
The Diversity Story also states that to understand mental health issues, people must also fight against negative stereotypes and share the truth about mental health. These things are often not easy to discuss due to huge misunderstandings. The first step you can take now is to call your members of Congress to support the MINDS Act and learn more about mental health in developing countries.
Call your members of Congress to support the MINDS Act here
Sources:
https://www.thediversitystory.org/post/mental-health-in-third-world-countries
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/mental-health-care-developing-world
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