KINGSTON, Jamaica – Carol Narcisse, social development specialist, has called on grassroots organisations and citizens to utilise and embrace advocacy as a strategic, organised effort to demand change, amplify marginalised voices, and bridge the gap between their communities and decision-makers.

“Advocacy is a necessity if communities are to influence policies that directly impact their lives,” Narcisse stressed.

She was addressing a JN Circle president council workshop recently, organised by the JN Group. “Advocacy is a call for change. It involves gathering the voices of those who need that change, collecting evidence, and then presenting that case to those in a position to make or influence decisions — whether that’s a government agency, a local council, or a school board,” she argued.

She emphasised that advocacy must be a “conscious, deliberate, and planned effort” aimed at influencing decisions, shifting attitudes, and achieving specific outcomes. It should be targeted and intentional, directed at those who have the authority to act.

Narcisse warned that many decisions are made in isolation, disconnected from the day-to-day realities of people on the ground.

“Your advocacy circles are a vehicle for bringing forward the real-world experiences of people who are impacted by these decisions,” she explained. “Whether it’s poor road conditions affecting small farmers, or the lack of recreational space in a community, advocacy helps bring those realities into view.”

In addition to raising awareness and pressing for change, Narcisse said advocacy plays a key role in building social capital, a sociological concept that refers to the relationships and networks that create trust, empathy, cooperation, respect, equity, and inclusion within communities.

“When you organise and support people to make representations to decision-makers, you’re not just raising issues, you are strengthening the social fabric of your community,” she said. “You’re nurturing a space where collaboration, respect, and collective problem-solving can flourish.”

She also dispelled the idea that only experts or professionals can advocate effectively.

“There are no ‘ordinary’ people,” she asserted. “Everyone holds extraordinary knowledge and experience whether they have formal education or not. Local citizens understand their environment deeply, and their insight is critical to shaping responsive and sustainable development.”

Narcisse urged communities to be intentional about their advocacy efforts, recognising them as essential pathways to visibility, influence, and positive transformation.

“Advocacy amplifies voices, sheds light on issues, mobilises support for change, and builds the community’s power to shape its own future,” she emphasised.

The workshop on advocacy led by Narcisse, was the first in a series organised to equip presidents within the JN Circle network with the knowledge and tools to support the mandate of the JN Circle, which includes community building, advocacy, and networking.

“Advocacy is about being a changemaker and a trailblazer. It’s an avenue for collaboration that allows us to amplify our impact. I encourage each of you to bring this mindset into your chapter operations and use the JN Circle as a space to engage, empower, and inspire your members,” said Hakeem Atkinson, member relations supervisor at the JN Group.