Advocacy refers to the act of supporting or arguing for a cause, policy, or group of people. It involves actively promoting certain issues and representing the interests of others in various contexts, such as legal, political, or social arenas. Advocacy can take many forms, including public speaking, writing, and organizing campaigns to raise awareness or influence decision-makers.
The word "advocacy" comes from the Latin word "advocatia," which means "a calling to one's aid" or "to speak in favor of." It is derived from "advocare," meaning "to summon" or "to call to one's aid." This term has evolved through Old French before entering the English language in the late 15th century.