I want to be an advocate, how do I do that?

Question

Specifically for women and children on social assistance. Is there an agency that would pay me to do that?

Answer 1

CASA

Overview

CASA is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as appointed members of the court. In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks among hundreds of current cases. CASA volunteers change that. Appointed by judges, CASA volunteers typically handle just one case at a time—and commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant that children need in order to thrive.

Are you ready to stand up for a child who needs you? Inquire today about the power you have to change a child's life. Click on "Enter Zip" in the "Act Locally" Box above, enter your zip code and click on the "Search" button.

http://www.nationalcasa.org/volunteer/in...

Answer 2

There are agencies that pay people to advocate for families in need.  You used the term "Social Assistance" which is not a usual US term so I'm guessing you live elsewhere.   That makes it difficult for me to tell you specific agencies and procedures because I only know US ones.   There are probably similar groups in other countries however.  

Learn all you can about poverty in your own area and get some hands on experience helping.  That may be as a volunteer,an intern (paid or unpaid) or an entry level worker in an agency or ministry.  Working as a caseworker or aide in the social assistance agencies would be a good start too.  

In the US the main 2 routes are to be someone coming out of a situation where they have been on assistance or to have a college degree on some sort of social work, social services, public policy, etc.  

Here are a few US sites for agencies that use advocates that might give you some ideas http://www.homesforthehomeless.com   http://www.gacircleofhope.org

http://www.samaritanguide.org/guide/4186...

http://www.nsehcy.org

http://lampga.tripod.com

http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/arc...