Disclaimer – consider using the Hotlines and Warmlines page on the WUSA Webpage if you are experiencing immediate threats, harassment, or discrimination. To share concerns with us to help inform our work, please use the Incident Reporting Form.

Welcome to your Advocate’s Toolkit

Speaking up for yourself can be tough, but it’s an important skill that helps you get what you need, set boundaries, and create positive change. Whether it’s asking your professor for an extension, addressing a conflict with a roommate, or getting the right support for your well-being, knowing how to communicate your needs makes a big difference. 

This guide will give you practical tips to navigate tricky conversations, express yourself clearly, and feel more confident in handling challenges—both in school and beyond. 

Exploring the Full Guide

Condensed Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What is Advocacy
  3. How To Create a Strong Advocacy Plan
  4. Find the Root Cause
  5. Build a Clear Message
  6. Identify Your Audience
  7. Choose Your Methods
  8. Implement Your Plan
  9. Prepare for Obstacles
  10. Prioritize Self-Care
  11. Know Your Resources

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What is Advocacy
  • Why it Matters 
  • Types of Advocacy 
  • Why Advocacy is Important 
  1. How To Create a Strong Advocacy Plan
  2. Find The Root Cause
  • Ask the Right Questions 
  • Look for Patterns and Themes 
  • Talk To Others Affected by the Issue 
  • Gather Facts and Data 
  • Set Clear Objectives 
  1. Build a Clear Message
  • How To Make Your Voice Heard 
  • Why Clear Communication is Important 
  • How To Communicate Effectively While Advocating for Change 
  • How Communication Changes for Different Types of Advocacy 
  1. Identify Your Audience
  • Where To Start 
  • Why Relationships Matter 
  • Examples of Key Decision-Makers and Allies 
  • How Relationship-Building Varies for Different Types of Advocacy 
  1. Choose Your Methods
  • How to Prepare for Meetings and Conduct Yourself Professionally 
  • Amplify Your Message 
  • Social Media Strategy 
  • Boothing in the Student Life Centre (SLC) 
  • Know Your Rights and Responsibilities 
  • Prepare for Challenges 
  • Speak Up and Be Heard for Different Types of Advocacy 
  1. Implement Your Plan
  • Put Your Plan Into Action 
  • Keep Track of Your Progress 
  • Look Back and Reflect 
  1. Prepare for Obstacles
  • Overcoming Obstacles and Rejections 
  1. Prioritize Self-Care
  • Don’t Forget About Yourself 
  • What’s Compassion Fatigue? 
  • How to Combat Compassion Fatigue 
  • Advocacy is Different for Everyone 
  • Self-Care for Different Types of Advocacy 
  • Creating a Healthy Advocacy Practice 
  1. Know Your Resources
Colorful abstract shapes with text: "An Advocate's Toolkit - A Step by Step Guide on How To Effectively Advocate.

Understanding Advocacy

Advocacy takes many forms, and each type plays a unique role in empowering individuals and creating positive change. Here are the three main types of advocacy you’ll encounter: 

Self-advocacy icon
Individual Advocacy

This type focuses on advocating for yourself. When you’re directly involved in the situation, your message comes from a place of personal need or impact. Be clear about what you need and why it matters to you. Whether you’re asking for accommodations, a grade reconsideration, or extra time for an assignment, your message is about you. 

Example: If you need extra time on assignments because of a disability, your communication will focus on your individual needs. Be honest, direct, and provide any supporting documents, like a note from your doctor or a request from AccessAbility Services. 

Two people shaking hands with a megaphone icon between them, symbolizing communication or agreement.
Peer Advocacy

Peer advocacy involves standing up for others, offering support, and helping friends navigate challenges. It’s important to communicate their needs clearly and respectfully while staying aligned with their wishes, even if you’re the one doing the talking.  

Example: If a queer friend is experiencing homophobia from a peer in class, it’s important to support them in a way that respects their needs and goals. You could help them fill out the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources (EDI-R) Intake Form to report the incident or offer to accompany them to speak with the professor. You might also connect them with a student organization for additional support. Ultimately, the key is to communicate with your friend and understand how they want to handle the situation.   

Illustration of three diverse people holding megaphones, symbolizing advocacy and raising voices together.
Group Advocacy

Group advocacy is all about collective action; this could range from community activism to campus-wide initiatives. In group advocacy, you’re speaking on behalf of a larger cause, so your message needs to be clear, focused, and unified. It’s all about coordination. Plus, you’ll be engaging with a wider audience, so your message will need to be tailored to different groups (students, faculty, staff). 

 

Example: If you’re part of a campaign for more affordable food options on campus, your communication needs to reflect the collective interest of the group. You might write a petition, organize a rally, or speak at a town hall meeting, always making sure the message is clear: affordable food is something all students need. 

Advocates in Action

Advocacy takes many forms, but at its core, it’s about students making a difference. Hear from those who have turned their voices into action. 

Advocacy means everything to me. It means working to understand and utilize the power I have to make space for others, follow their lead, and empower them to use their voices or speak up for those who lack the capacity and/or power to be heard.

It’s important to remember though that advocacy work comes with systemic power; through my position with WUSA I acknowledge the impacts that my work can have on the wellbeing of students and the betterment of our spaces on campus. In my role in Advocacy at WUSA I am empowered and forever grateful for the privileges I have to help influence a more equitable and safe tomorrow for more people.   

Memoji of a smiling person with brown braided hair, freckles, and wide eyes on a black background.Anna
To me, advocacy means creating safe spaces where all voices are valued. At WUSA I’ve seen how supportive initiatives like the Art Hive are for the well-being of students. I’ve been able to observe through conversations and surveys the diverse mental health challenges students face and work towards making sure these needs are met. Advocacy is about making sure every student has access to resources that truly support their well-being. 
Animated emoji of a smiling person with red hair and freckles, on a black background.Emma

Advocacy entails integrating the diverse perspectives of our student population to inspire effective, timely, and actionable change that can contribute to meaningful differences in our campus community.  I have found it most meaningful to connect with students via focus groups or hosting booths to turn genuine student feedback and ideas into tangible recommendations that inform advocacy initiatives. Gaining a considerate knowledge into various student perspectives surrounding topics of concern has been a rewarding insight for me that continues to provide a strong foundation for WUSA’s advocacy efforts and toward our student body welfare. 

A smiling female Memoji with long dark hair and earrings.Ashaya
Advocacy to me means supporting the needs and wants of others by utilizing my voice and social position. Through analyzing data from students from UW and across Canada about their feelings of safety and mental health, I feel eager and confident in my work to translate findings into actionable steps to improve safety and wellbeing on campus. 
Smiling Memoji of a person with long black hair and earrings, set against a plain white background.Mariam

How WUSA Supports Advocacy

WUSA advocates for changes that improve student life, both inside and outside the classroom. We base our work on student feedback, surveys, and discussions with students, like you, to keep our focus on what matters most.

As a large organization, we focus our advocacy on broader student issues, rather than individual cases. When it comes to smaller-scale advocacy projects, we are happy to guide you, whether you’re aiming to shape university policies, raising awareness, or making sure your concerns, like academics, mental health, or student services, are heard and accounted for.

We hope this guide will support your advocacy efforts and connect you with the right resources.

Know Your Resources

Helpful Resources for Advocacy at Waterloo

Navigating university life and advocating for change doesn’t have to be daunting. There are plenty of resources at Waterloo to help you stay informed, get support, and make your voice heard. Here are some of the best resources available for students who want to advocate for themselves and others:

Internal Resources
WUSA Advocacy
Black logo of Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association with The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) offers resources and various ways to get involved.

Stay up to date through General Meetings, governance roles, and all the cool projects they’re working on.

Learn more about WUSA
Student Legal Protection Program

WUSA Student Legal Protection Program logo with Got a legal issue? Whether it’s academic rights, co-op disputes, or housing problems, this program provides students with legal advice to help navigate the complexities of student life.

Legal Protection Program
Empower Me

Need some mental health support? Empower Me offers 24/7 access to wellness services, giving you the tools you need to build resilience and stay balanced—whenever you need it.

Learn more about Empower Me
Student Services
Glow Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity

Logo with colorful squares and text "WUSA Glow Centre" in dark blue.Glow is your go-to for resources and advocacy related to sexual orientation and gender identity. They offer a supportive space for students to find community and learn more about issues affecting the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Learn more about Glow
Mates Peer Support

Logo with overlapping blue speech bubbles, one with a heart, next to the text "WUSA Mates" in blue.If you’re dealing with academic, social, or mental health challenges, Mates Peer Support is here to help. They provide a safe space to talk things out and connect with others.

Learn more about Mates
Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity, and Equity (RAISE)

Logo with a red raised fist and the text "WUSA RAISE" in bold, dark blue letters.Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity, and Equity (RAISE) works to tackle racial equity issues and fight systemic barriers. They’re focused on creating a more inclusive campus by advocating for the voices and needs of racialized students.

Learn more about RAISE
The Women's Centre

Logo of WUSA Women's Centre with a purple flower graphic.The Women’s Centre is a supportive space for students who identify as women, offering peer support, resources, and educational events through an intersectional feminist lens. They provide sexual health resources, workshops, a diverse library, and connections to campus and community support.

This resource is all about supporting students who identify as women. They offer services related to sexual health, mental health, and healthy relationships, and they’re a great place to find community and advocacy support.

Learn more about Women’s Centre
Centre for Academic Policy Support (CAPS)

Logo for WUSA Centre for Academic Policy Support with a clipboard and checkmark icon.If you’re having trouble navigating academic policies, need to file a petition, or want to pursue a grievance or appeal, the Centre for Academic Policy Support (CAPS) is the place to go for guidance and support.

Learn about CAPS
External Resources
AccessAbility Services

If you need academic accommodations for any disabilities or conditions, AccessAbility Services has got your back. They’re here to help you get the support you need to succeed at Waterloo.

Learn about AccessAbility Services
Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (EDI-R)
The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (EDI-R) is focused on advancing equity and anti-racism initiatives across campus. They offer support for anyone looking to make positive change and create a more inclusive community
Learn about EDI-R
Office of Indigenous Relations

Stylized open-source logo with red, white, black, and yellow segments around an orange circle on a black background.The Office of Indigenous Relations at the University of Waterloo works to support Indigenous students and communities by advancing the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

Through collaborative initiatives and comprehensive resources such as bursaries, academic programming, and support services, the office fosters a decolonized and inclusive campus environment.

Learn about Indigenous Relations
Student Success Office (SSO)
The Student Success Office (SSO) has a number of services to help you succeed both academically and personally:

  • Self-Advocacy Workshops & SMART Program: Learn how to advocate for yourself and develop strong academic skills.
  • Peer Success Coaches: Connect with a coach who can help guide you through academic challenges.
  • Micro-courses on things like resilience and identity development.
  • Help with writing effective emails and navigating the University’s systems.

Check these out:

  • The Anatomy of an Email
  • Email Communications Checklist
  • Simple and Impactful Phrases to Use for Help in University
Learn more about SSO
Sexual Violence Prevention Response Office (SVPRO)

Sexual Violence Prevention Response Office logo

The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) at the University of Waterloo offers support to all members of the campus community affected by sexual violence, including students, staff, faculty, and visitors. They provide services such as direct support, consultations, and educational programs across all university campuses and affiliates.

Learn more about SVPRO
Ombuds Office

The Ombuds Office provides accessible, independent, impartial and confidential services through which students may receive guidance and advice about their university-related concerns and complaints regarding university policies, procedures, and decision-making structures.   

Location: Student Life Centre, 3rd Floor 

Book an Appointment: uwombuds@uwaterloo.ca 

Is there something you would like to include? Think we missed? We would love to hear more from you! Reach out to Amrit Khaira, Advocacy Specialist.