“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.
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10 yrs. old
Entered the program: November 2025
Victoria lives with her parents and 3 siblings in a two-bedroom mud house with a thatch roof and a mud cement floor. The family cooks outdoors with wood and there is no bathroom or toilet facility.
Victoria’s family is Christian. Her father is a small-hold farmer who cultivates maize and peanuts to provide for the family. As he is unable to purchase additional plants to extend his crops, the food he manages to harvest does not last through the year. The family usually has only one daily meal and her parents will sometimes skip meals so that the children have more. They often rely on food or financial assistance from others. Without the assistance of CHG, Victoria would not be able to attend school regularly.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
