Advocacy is a key part of our work as Soroptimists, Club Advocacy lead Karen talks about Advocacy In Action and asks: How much do you know about how our Parliament works, what involvement you can have and what your MP can do for you?
Parliament
Advocacy In Action begins in Westminster if you’re based in England as we are. Have you ever been to the UK’s Parliament? If you are in London and want to have a look round there are regular guided tours Tours – UK Parliament. Or have a wander through the corridors of power on this 360 degree guided tour
Currently work is being undertaken on the Elizabeth Tower so tours are not possible, but if you are interested in seeing the conservation work follow this link
Voting
Are you registered to vote? Here are just 5 reasons why you should!
- Elections have consequences
You have the power to decide on the quality of life you want for yourself and future generations. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about. This is your life: take the time to help decide what’s best.
- Not voting is giving up your voice
Elections are decided by the people who go out and vote. Take some time and learn about the measures and the candidates. If you don’t vote, someone else will make the decision for you. Your power is in your vote.
- It’s your money
You pay taxes, but do you know how that money is being used? Most people don’t. Voting is your chance to choose how your money is being spent.
- Voting is an opportunity for change
Do you want to make a positive impact? Voting gives you that chance! Support the candidates and ballot measures that can help your community for the greater good. Make your voice heard in every election.
- The community depends on you.
Our communities are made up of friends, loved ones, neighbours, and children. Some may not know how important voting is and it was a hard won battle by the suffragettes to get the vote for women, so let’s make sure their sacrifices are not wasted.
Make the decision to vote for yourself and those around you.
If you are not registered follow this link www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to make your voice heard!
Petitions
Have you ever signed a petition? In this current session of Parliament 554 petitions have received a response from Government and 96 petitions were debated in Parliament. All it needs is 10,000 signatures for the Government to respond! Anyone can start a petition! Have a look at what is currently key to many people – Petitions – UK Government and Parliament and see a debated that resulted from one!
Who is your local MP?
Do you know who your local MP is? Find out more about them and their interests, what they have voted for or against, what they have spoken about as well as their written questions have been. MPs and Lords – UK Parliament
You have the opportunity to ask them to pose questions in the House of Commons. You can email them and will get a response. Since October 2020 SI Lichfield and District have written to their MP’s on 6 occasions about matters of concern relating to women and girls.
Democracy
What areas of our democracy are you interested in? What to know more? So follow select committees that are covering the topics important to you. Submit evidence to a committee inquiry – UK Parliament
Recent select committees include: changing culture underpinning male violence against women, online safety and mapping the path to net zero. A Call for Evidence was requested in March 2021 for women to describe their experiences of violence against them. This will be taken into account in the Violence Against Women Strategy 2021-2024.
If you’d like to know more about our Club’s Advocacy In Action, take a look here.