noun

advocacy

AD-vuh-kuh-see/ˈædvəkəsi/

Public support for a cause, policy, or group.

The public rally demonstrates advocacy for protecting trees.

In a public plaza, three environmental advocates rally to protect trees. One speaks into a megaphone while the other two raise placards showing a green tree inside a heart, without words. A single leafy tree stands beside them. Use bold silhouettes and a plain background so the public show of support reads clearly at 340×255.

Etymology

advocacyOld Frenchprofession of a legal pleader

Avocacie named the profession of a legal pleader. Advocacy extends that role of speaking on another’s behalf beyond the courtroom to public support for a cause, policy, or person.

In context

TEDx Talks18:08

And I've brought this issue to Henry Waxman, the district congressman here in LA, to get the ball rolling with his advocacy for my cause. However, I need your help and support to lobby.

Deaf in the military [Subtitled] | Keith Nolan | TEDxIslay

More examples

The organization focuses on housing advocacy.
He became known for his advocacy of public transit.
The campaign combined research with effective advocacy.

Forms

advocacy

advocate verb — publicly support a cause or policy

Similar words

support: Support can be private or practical; advocacy emphasizes actively arguing for a cause or policy.
lobbying: Lobbying seeks to influence officials; advocacy can address the wider public as well.