“Child Advocacy”… such an official sounding term, isn’t it? Miriam Webster defines advocacy as “the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal”, and when broken down that way, it’s a pretty simple concept.
Many of us are child advocates in our daily lives and perhaps not even aware of it. If you’re a parent who is involved in supporting or promoting your child’s education or extra-curricular activities, that is advocacy. If you teach Sunday school or help in your church’s nursery, that is advocacy. If you contribute financially to any organization that is dedicated to improving the condition of a child in some way, that is advocacy.
At Forward Edge, child sponsorship is the fundamental way that we invite people to become child advocates. On the most basic level, it offers a sponsor the opportunity to invest financially in the holistic care of their child. However, because we so value and encourage relationship development between sponsor and child, it also provides them the means to contribute emotionally and spiritually through communication and visitation.
Here are a few additional ideas on how to boost your advocacy and impact:
In thinking about what other ways we might be able to maximize our advocacy, you can look to Zechariah 4:10 as an encouragement; “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” A little initiative can go a long way; you never know who might just be waiting for an invitation from you to join in impacting the life of a child.
P.S. If you’re enthusiastic about becoming more engaged as a Child Advocate, but need some help putting ideas together or working through the details, please contact us; we would love to help. Email us at fei@forwardedge.org or call 360-574-3343.
“Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the Lord. “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do
During these times when most of us are ‘social distancing’ and ‘sheltering in place’, we probably have much more time on our hands and yet are unable to be in touch with many of those on our minds. This is especially true of our sponsored children. We know they and
I’m home from a life-changing mission trip. Now what? A short-term mission trip is an intense experience, in more ways than one. In the space of a week to 10 days, you’re immersed with a new group of people, develop a routine and learn new tasks and skills. You’ve also
One of the greatest joys a child receives is a letter from his or her sponsor. Sponsored children usually save all of the letters they receive and read them over and over again, they are such a source of encouragement and love for them. Writing to your sponsored child is
20 yrs. old
Entered the program: March 2023
Elizabeth lives with her parents and two siblings in a one-bedroom mud house roofed with thatch that is in very poor condition. They have no latrine. The home has access to electricity but no potable water. Water is fetched from a local dam until it dries up, then the village women and girls must travel long distances to find other sources.
Elizabeth comes from a Christian family. Her father is a small-hold farmer who cultivates rice and corn but barely harvests enough food to feed the family. Her mother is a housewife and is faced with mental health issues. Before joining Create Hope, the family lived on less than $1 a day and Elizabeth’s ability to attend school was jeopardized. Also, like many girls her age, she misses school during her monthly cycle since they cannot afford sanitary supplies.
