1 ORGS · 6 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
theory of action →

Direct Advocacy for Systemic Change

By directly confronting difficult social issues through advocacy, we achieve systemic change and strengthen civic responsibility, because addressing root causes fosters lasting justice and community empowerment. This strategy involves proactively engaging with controversial or complex social challenges—such as mental health stigma, educational inequity, and veteran support—not through indirect services but by driving policy and cultural change. What distinguishes it from other approaches is its focus on upstream intervention, prioritizing advocacy and activism over direct service alone, to transform systems affecting multiple issue areas.

1
orgs running it
6
activities of those orgs
5
clusters touched
who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 1

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Championed K-1 transitional class for children HELEN RUSSO FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Established a transitional class for children not yet ready for first grade, supporting early childhood education readiness.
  • Developed Magic Circle Program for social-emotional learning HELEN RUSSO FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Created and secured funding for the Magic Circle Program, which trains volunteers to support children's social-emotional learning in classroom settings.
  • Founded community engagement initiatives HELEN RUSSO FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Founded the Around The Clock Block Club, participated in police ride-alongs, and authored a monthly Mental Notes column in the community paper to strengthen community ties and mental health awareness.
  • Led parent and child support groups HELEN RUSSO FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Facilitated support groups for parents and children addressing challenges related to death, divorce, and anger management.
  • Organized weekly educational workshops HELEN RUSSO FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Organized weekly workshops in Cincinnati on various topics, including a Veteran's Day lecture, to promote community learning and engagement.
  • Provided professional development and outreach for mental health HELEN RUSSO FOUNDATION
    capacity building
    Hosted a radio show for mental health professionals, developed support services through university collaborations, and presented at teacher workshops and conventions to expand professional capacity in mental health and education.