- Advocates encourage and support others to advocate for themselves as much as possible.
- Advocates make sure they are aware of advocacy resources, before they start to help others.
- Advocates obtain consent before they speak or act on someone’s behalf.
- Advocates make sure their own values and belief systems do not interfere with the right of individuals to make their own choices.
- Advocates place the interests, preferences, and decisions of the individual above their own when acting on someone’s behalf.
- Advocates avoid any false, misleading or unfair statements or claims about the advocacy process, their role, skills, or qualifications.
- Advocates advise individuals to be honest, informing them about the consequences and risks associated with any planned actions.
- Advocates inform others of their right to confidentiality, their right to give consent prior to release of information, and the legal limitations of confidentiality.
- Advocates declare any potential conflict of interest in their advocacy activities.
- Advocates do not behave in ways that could cause fear, discomfort or harm to others.
- Advocates respect and understand cultural, social and individual diversity.
- Advocates maintain their skills and knowledge about advocacy issues.
- Advocates withdraw, in a professional manner, when their involvement is no longer appropriate or useful.
Published by Penticton Advocacy Network, June 2000.
Contributed by Penticton & Area Women’s Centre (PAWC).