We are at a conference dedicated to advocacy and social justice. Beyond people, populations, situations, and issues that demand advocacy and social justice, how do we actually do it? How do we go from seeing an issue needing addressed into positively doing something about it? How do we see people in need and effectively step up and help and/or support them? How do we start? Where do we start? What do we do? The Levels of Advocacy & Social Justice (LASJ) provide a framework to conceptualize and implement effective advocacy and social justice efforts. Expanding outward from a person or issue, the LASJ model depicts seven layers: individual, group, organizational, community, regional, state, and national. They further call upon us to take a self-inventory of our foci and abilities, coupled with our own self-care, in order to be the best advocates we can be. This presentation will aid direct service providers and concerned community members alike with foundational principles and practical tools to implement change through advocacy and social justice. The LASJ model will be provided in detail, with practical examples for each level. The accompanying self-assessment worksheet will also be provided for participants to evaluate their own strengths, goals, and self-care. All materials will be provided for free and can be immediately implemented. This in turn helps support conference attendees taking instantaneous action in areas they learn more about in other sessions of this conference.
Dr. Jared Rose is an Ohio licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor, a national certified counselor, and an EMDR certified therapist. Beyond being a university professor and founder/owner of a private clinical practice, he has over 30 years’ experience as an advocate and social justice activist.