Northside’s approach to advocacy

As an established community service organisation, Northside Community Service has an obligation to be a voice for advocacy in the ACT and beyond.

Our advocacy is grounded in human rights, specifically to uphold the rights of children, the right to education, the right to a home and the right to a community. This work is informed by the principles of social justice, and the responsibility to take action to address disadvantage and systemic injustices.

Given the history of this land, we acknowledge and respect the long and successful advocacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and commit to following the leadership and guidance of local First Nations leaders.

We know that the work we do in the community is complex, and our advocacy must reflect and be comfortable with complexity. This can mean conflicting viewpoints, difficult challenges and solutions, going against popular opinions, and speaking up when it is inconvenient.

But while we may take on difficult challenges, we always hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and conduct. Advocacy isn’t about shouting the loudest, or insisting we are always right. It’s about building partnerships, forming working relationships and convincing decision-makers to do things differently.

We look for opportunities to lead, to partner, and to support advocacy objectives and goals, working towards a community where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and live their lives with dignity.

Read the Advocacy Strategy