What is an example of advocacy at the system level?

Advocacy at the system level involves efforts to influence policies, laws, or regulations that affect a large population or community. This type of advocacy seeks to create broader changes that can improve the environment for a group of individuals or the community as a whole, rather than focusing on individual cases.

Working to change law at the state level exemplifies system-level advocacy because it directly aims to modify legislation affecting many people. In this context, advocates may work with lawmakers, organize campaigns, or create coalitions to address issues such as access to services, funding for programs, or decriminalization of certain behaviors. This approach has a wider impact and seeks to implement sustainable changes in the legal framework governing health, welfare, or social services.

In contrast, discussing case notes with peers, providing one-on-one peer support, and creating therapy groups are all examples of direct service or individual advocacy. These activities are important but focus primarily on supporting individuals rather than addressing systemic issues.