As I walked along the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge on the Principal Riverwalk during one of our warmer winter days, the critical role women have played as advocates for change became evident. From Carrie Chapman Catt, whose advocacy helped secure women the right to vote, to Gertrude Elzora Durden Rush, who was a trailblazer for the civil rights movement, the names inscribed on this bridge are tangible reminders of what Iowa women have done to move causes forward in critical ways.

In light of such great accomplishments, it is easy to give in to the voice in my head that says advocacy is for more qualified, experienced leaders. The truth is, we are all already acting as advocates in our daily lives. From the conference table to the dinner table, we know how to get things done.

Becoming a purposeful advocate simply takes thoughtful practice to transfer the skill to the causes we care about and the leadership roles we hold. Bolder Advocacy Director Abby Levine shared during a recent presentation in Des Moines that “women are natural advocates. We advocate for family and friends, but perhaps not for ourselves. Too often we minimize our own voice, but it’s important to trust ourselves and make ourselves heard.”

How can we become comfortable in this advocacy role? Service on local nonprofit boards and committees is a natural starting place. By working with like-minded individuals, we can develop relationships, form collaborations and create messaging to make personal connections with those who have the ability to create collective change.

In a traditional sense, advocacy is about tracking public policy, identifying opportunities to connect with elected officials and offering expertise on proposals affecting the missions of the organizations we serve. Yet advocacy goes beyond influencing policy decisions. Advocacy is identifying individuals and organizations that can be partners in fulfilling collective goals, reporting on sound fiscal practices or sharing recent achievements with others. Storytelling provides a powerful opportunity to shed light on the meaningful work done by the organizations you support.

Communities offer tremendous opportunities to become involved and put your advocacy skills into practice. Feel confident asking groups how you can lend your expertise, or learn about organizations looking for leaders through the new LeadershipLink tool. However you choose to participate, remind yourself that advocacy plays a critical role in advancing the mission of the organizations you serve. http://volunteer.unitedwaydm.org/leadershiplink

Advocating for the causes we care about is a tradition for the women of Iowa. I look forward to my walks across the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge in the future and reflecting upon the impact I know we will have achieved — and the new names that will have paved the way.

Biography

Sara Bonney is the director of marketing and communications at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, where she tells stories of charitable giving, highlights connections between donors and the causes they care about and shares the organization’s leadership on important community issues. She and her husband spend much of their free time trying to keep up with their toddler son. Bonney obtained her Master of Public Administration degree from Drake University.