Advocacy
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What is Advocacy?
To advocate for oneself or for another person, is to ensure that the voice, opinion, needs and rights of an individual are heard and acknowledged. In a situation involving an individual and authorities it is important that those in positions of power stay aware that they are dealing with a person who has a voice and rights. An advocate also insures that the involved persons have all the necessary information regarding their situation so that they are fully informed, and can make clear decisions.
For instance, perhaps a landlord has served an illegal eviction notice and you want to appeal the eviction and arbitrate. Maybe you need to make a police report, go to a lawyer's appointment or a welfare appeal. An advocate can help.
The Advocacy Centre
"We all have the right to equal access and opportunity, to justice and fair treatment.". The Advocacy Centre staff and volunteers will listen, support, inform, counsel and educate in regards to:
- Welfare rights
- Disability benefits
- Poverty
- Victims of violence
- Child apprehension
- Custody and access
- Separation and divorce
- Affordable housing
- Landlord/Tenant issues
- More...
If you have any issue at all where you will have to deal with "the system" and are concerned about how to go about it, contact The Advocacy Centre. Unfortunately, ther is only one in the Kootenays. They do not have a 1-800 number but you would probably be able to place a call from another agency in your area, or, e-mail them at advocacycentre@telus.net (250) 352-5777
Staff from the Advocacy Centre travel to Castlegar every Friday to provide services. Phone for information.