By Iniyaa Srinivasan (Publicity Head)

An Introduction to Advocacy

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” These are the words of prominent Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai, and it encapsulates the essence of our Community Advocates motto: “Speak, Act, Change”. 

In a world teeming with complexities and contradictions, we often find ourselves ensnared in the web of our routines, barely noticing the injustices that simmer beneath the surface. Community Advocates (CA) seeks to be the voice that speaks up for the underprivileged, the hand that reaches out in action to them, the catalyst for change against the tide of indifference.

While it is daunting to put yourself out there for the whole world to see, Community Advocates nurtures confident, budding advocates starting from our very own country. Our CCA serves as a stepping stone for anyone with a heart for the community, aiding them in making the first step to serve. 

About CA

CA is a service-based CCA that encourages our members to go beyond direct community service, and to create a more profound influence on the community through advocacy and service-learning. 

CCA sessions, or General Meetings, are held every Wednesday from 9am to 11am. Aside from CCA sessions, members are involved in mandatory weekly service. A typical CCA session usually consists of bonding activities, batch project and SIG projects discussions. 

Student Interest Groups (SIGs)

Upon joining CA, you can choose from three different student interest groups (SIGs), each championing a different cause. They are named endearingly—Lifeline (Healthcare), Empty Pocket (Poverty) and Doveswarm (Migrant Workers). 

Within these SIGs, you will embark upon a journey of service to a particular community, learning from your shared experiences and forming connections with like-minded individuals. These valuable experiences help you grow as an advocate, where what you learn can be shared with the wider community and inspire change.

Although the SIG projects follow the broader theme of CA’s SIGs, each batch has the freedom to decide on its focus and target group for the year, planning its own projects and liaising with different organisations related to the chosen cause.

SIG: Lifeline

Lifeline’s focus in 2024 is on the deaf community and highlighting talented individuals whose potential should not be hindered by societal expectations. Additionally, we participate in weekly service at Pathlight School, engaging students with autism through various activities and academic support. 

Lifeline aspires to be a pillar of support for individuals with mental or physical illnesses, celebrating inclusivity in our society.

SIG: Empty Pocket

EP’s service has always been centred around and driven by a mission to uplift the financially disadvantaged, and especially to empower students to grow regardless of their financial situation. This year, we are volunteering with Teck Ghee Primary School and Touch Young Arrows, bringing academic enrichment and support to students from across Singapore. 

Our advocacy projects include a Pop-up Grocery Store aimed at improving food security in rental blocks, and a Financial Literacy Day Camp that aims to help children to manage their finances. 

SIG: Doveswarm

Doveswarm’s SIG project this year will involve holding a carnival with different activities, such as games and arts & craft for domestic helpers at HAGAR, a shelter for trafficked foreign domestic workers. For our weekly service, we are currently aiding with data collection regarding injuries of migrant workers at the Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME), and holding computer skills workshops for domestic helpers at Carehaven, a residential care programme for foreign domestic workers who are caught in challenging circumstances and require shelter.

General Meetings

Aside from weekly service, CA members attend General Meetings every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. In each session, we discuss and plan for our advocacy projects. Different SIGs also have the opportunity to come together to bond and reflect on what they learned from their various service experiences, so that we can gain more perspectives on social issues, and improve on our advocacy skills. We also engage in fun games and activities every week.

Projects

Our 2024 Year 5 batch project is centred around advocating for greater awareness of proper waste management practices among children. Through organising a carnival style event with various activities such as arts and crafts and station games, we aim to engage the community around RI in a fun and educational manner, while also highlighting how we can do our parts in the responsible disposal of waste. 

To End Off

If you are passionate about speaking up on overlooked issues in society, and would like to touch the hearts of people to spark change, CA is the place for you! CA will provide you with a platform to connect with like-minded individuals and serve your community directly. 

The lessons you learn, the stories you hear, and the interactions you remember from all your experiences here will equip you with the right skills and knowledge to be an effective advocate. We look forward to welcoming you into our CA family!

Speak with passion, Act with sincerity, and be the catalyst for Change.

Raffles Community Advocates