THE fundamental domains of advocacy
When it comes to human health, the field of ADVOCACY is subdivided into several major categories. Each represents distinctive aspects of coping with a specific health challenge. All share the common the goal of helping others walk a kinder path in their health battles and journeys, and ultimately prevail over their particular disease or illness. Current types of Advocacy include: Research Advocacy; Support Advocacy; Public Policy Advocacy; and Patient & Healthcare Advocacy. Often, these various types of Advocacy overlap. Each type brings its own set of activities and its own sense of reward. While some Advocates receive compensation, many Advocates commit their time, energy, and effort as volunteers. The personal satisfaction gained from advancing the human condition is priceless.
In the setting of the scientific laboratory, it is the Research Advocate who is a vital part of the lab team. Even so, the best Research Advocates have experience in the other areas of Advocacy that provide a foundational background to their work at a research institution. For that reason, it is best to have an understanding of the scope of the various domains of Advocacy.