Contributed by Caitlin Pham | Washington DECA, Area 10
Advocacy /ˈadvəkəsē/ (noun) - public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.
On January 22nd, Washington DECA visited our state representatives and senators alongside seven other Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). Meeting individually with legislators, we explained the personal impact of DECA and CTE on our lives and spoke on issues pertaining to our specific geographical areas.
Washington DECA is split into 11 geographical regions, each with an Area President. My region, Area 10, is one of the most economically disadvantaged in the state. On average, the chapters in Area 10 have a 79% low-income rate. In addition, when traveling to the western side of the state for our State Career Development Conference in Bellevue, the costs of the hotel and bus can add up quickly for chapters.
Because of CTSO Advocacy Day, I spoke to two legislators from my Legislative District—Representative Jeremie Dufault and Senator Nikki Torres. In our meetings, I talked to them about the challenges I have seen, especially in our area. When students come to me and say they are unable to pay even the $20 membership fee, there is something terribly wrong. The socioeconomic gap continues to widen, and the only way to close it is to continue advocating for those we serve, both in DECA and beyond. I have been incredibly honored and lucky to serve Area 10, for although we are tiny, we are mighty, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to advocate for them on the state level.
Throughout my time in DECA, I have realized just how critical it is to speak out on what you see. Nobody is better at advocating against problems than those directly experiencing them. In my two terms as a Washington DECA state officer, I have met students who quietly asked me if their tennis shoes would be appropriate to wear at a conference because they have nothing else. I have had hard-working state qualifiers who have been unable to attend because there is simply no funding to pay for the $1,500 bus across the state. I have seen members from my very own school arrive at SCDC with nothing but their ratty school computers and be scoffed at by other students who have tablets embedded in their poster boards.
DECA has opened my eyes to the world issues that matter to me most. And even though I was given the opportunity to advocate at our state’s Capitol, advocacy does not have to be grand. Advocacy begins by simply taking a moment to truly see the world for what it is and spreading your message to whoever will listen. From school boards to community groups to social media, advocacy begins whenever you decide it matters enough in this world to share it.
Start today. Look at your community, truly, deeply look, and use the power of your voice. Write a letter. Make a speech. Find the issue that matters to you, and never stop—because change only occurs when the voices of people demand it. Be an advocate for change. Truly, be the one.
“No voice is too soft when that voice speaks for others.” - Janna Cachola
