1 answer
Charity
Student
Nampa, Idaho
1
Question
Updated
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As a freshman associate student recognizing the critical role of hands-on experience, what strategies can be used to build a strong professional network in communities where victim advocacy is not yet widely acknowledged or supported ?
For students who think ahead, getting an early start can feel overwhelming—especially when resources are limited—but gaining experience as soon as possible is key to building confidence and direction. #Spring25
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1 answer
Laura Pugh
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Great question! If you're a student looking to build a strong professional network in areas where victim advocacy isn't well-known, here are some friendly tips:
- Get Involved Locally: Volunteer or intern with groups that help with issues like homelessness, domestic violence, or youth services. These areas often connect with advocacy work.
- Use Campus Resources: Join or start student groups that focus on social justice. Reach out to faculty in social work or criminal justice for advice and connections.
- Attend Events: Look for virtual or local workshops and conferences about advocacy or trauma-informed care to meet professionals and learn more.
- Go Online: Join LinkedIn groups or forums about advocacy. Chat with others and follow leaders in the field to grow your network.
- Work with Different Fields: Connect with people in healthcare, education, or law enforcement who might work with victims and be open to working together.
- Raise Awareness: Start a small project like a blog or social media page to talk about advocacy issues and share helpful resources. This can help you find others who care about the same things.
Building trust, showing empathy, and being consistent are key to growing your network, even in places where advocacy is just starting to grow.
- Get Involved Locally: Volunteer or intern with groups that help with issues like homelessness, domestic violence, or youth services. These areas often connect with advocacy work.
- Use Campus Resources: Join or start student groups that focus on social justice. Reach out to faculty in social work or criminal justice for advice and connections.
- Attend Events: Look for virtual or local workshops and conferences about advocacy or trauma-informed care to meet professionals and learn more.
- Go Online: Join LinkedIn groups or forums about advocacy. Chat with others and follow leaders in the field to grow your network.
- Work with Different Fields: Connect with people in healthcare, education, or law enforcement who might work with victims and be open to working together.
- Raise Awareness: Start a small project like a blog or social media page to talk about advocacy issues and share helpful resources. This can help you find others who care about the same things.
Building trust, showing empathy, and being consistent are key to growing your network, even in places where advocacy is just starting to grow.