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Writing 60: Argument & Research

Recommended resources for students working on their Writing 60 research and writing assignments.

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Search Strategies for Advocacy

Most publications do not use the word "advocacy" even if they are actually advocating for something. Try adding these words to keywords you have already used to research your topic:

  • proposal
  • policy
  • standard
  • recommendation
  • guideline
  • regulation
  • protocol
  • position
  • legislation

You can then search for advocacy in articles, news, policies and laws, and other sources

Find Activism

"Activism is action on behalf of a cause, action that goes beyond what is conventional or routine. The action might be door-to-door canvassing, alternative radio, public meetings, rallies, or fasting..." Encyclopedia of Activism and Social Justice 

Finding Activism and Grass-roots Advocacy

Community activists and advocates work in their communities and communicate to the public through easily-accessible platforms such as social media, websites, or podcasts. Listening to the voices of activists and following movements can help you follow current conversations happening around advocacy on a topic. There is no easy database or academic resource that compiles all of this in one place.

Here are some tips to find relevant voices:

  • Follow social media hashtags related to movements and then identify individual activists to follow
  • Look in sources like CQ Researcher or in news articles for names of individuals or organizations involved in activism or advocacy
  • Conduct a simple Google search on your topic, and add words like "activism" or "activist" or "advocacy"