The Work of an Advocate

My experience in Advocating Change Together (ACT) has been life changing. ACT has helped me grow as a person. I've learned how to network. I have become more confident and less shy. And I have improved my public speaking skills-overall becoming strong, smart and bold! Also being apart of ACT, I am more aware of what goes on in my community. Before I would've never thought I could actually make a difference to help my community, but now, thanks to ACT, I am very determined and passionate to do whatever I can to make positive changes for my community.

The first year we learned what it takes to be an advocate. This year we did a photo voice project to capture the assets and disparities in our community. We also explored topics such as nutrition, obesity, violence, and neighborhood conditions in Oakland. Most recently we attended a Teen Action Summit to see how the community and police can work together to prevent violence.

My hopes and goals for ACT are that the program continues to grow because it sends such a powerful and positive message to young people that we can advocate change together. It would be great to see ACT become more involved in the community. We have been attending community meetings to learn about violence prevention and ways to improve public education. One day, I hope the community knows what we do. I hope the community knows ACT is working to make improvements and that we care.