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An advocate is someone who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person, cause, or action. Self-advocacy, involves advocating for oneself. Advocacy can be used to promote causes, or change systems. Education advocacy can be on behalf of a student who needs assistance with services and can involve both paid and non-paid advocates or lawyers. Legislative advocacy refers to efforts to influence laws.  In this section, you can read tips on how to be an effective advocate so that you can get what you want when you are standing up for the things you need.