What is Courageous Advocacy?

Courageous advocacy is defined by the Church of England as “the act of speaking out against an issue of injustice, often on behalf of those whose voice is not heard.” At St John’s, we encourage and support our children to become courageous advocates who believe that they can become ‘agents of change’ to strive towards a fairer and more joyous world. This means that they champion causes that are special and meaningful to them; connected to matters and concerns personal and close to home for them or linked to wider global issues.

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)

How to be a Courageous Advocate

Below are some simple steps to consider when advocating for a cause:

Step 1: Identify a problem or issue you care about.
Step 2: Investigate as much as you can so understand/consider all views.
Step 3: Work out what can be done to change or improve it.
Step 4: Identify the people with influence to make those changes.
Step 5: Consider whose help you might use to make your voice more persuasive.
Step 6: Persuade those with the power to make changes to do something about it.

Advocacy can take many different forms, but can be broadly grouped into certain categories:

Courageous Advocacy at St John’s

St John’s CE Primary School is a strong Christian community where all can ‘let their light shine’ (Matthew 5:16). Our school is guided by God’s teachings of respect, perseverance, kindness, truthfulness and responsibility, enabling everyone to thrive as happy and fulfilled individuals. Ignited by God’s Spirit, our children shine as a light in the world.

All acts of courageous advocacy at St John’s are driven by our school’s Christian vision. Children act together with a purpose that people may live happily together in unity. Our Christian vision encompasses God’s vision that everyone should live well together. Respect and Perseverance are two of our core Christian values and are at the heart of all actions and decision making by children and adults. Another core Christian value is Responsibility; we actively promote the value of being responsible by serving God and by doing that, serving others in the school, local and global communities.

“Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)

In Collective Worship, RE lessons and other times of reflection and prayer, biblical references are explored to deepen children’s understanding and enable them to live out our Christian vision and values to serve others and enable themselves and others to flourish. Children learn how Jesus demonstrated values of respect, kindness, responsibility, perseverance and truthfulness, and are inspired to follow His example. Children and adults learn about the life of Jesus and God’s vision for the world and reflect on the message of the Bible in the context of their own character and actions.

Jesus spoke up for people who were disadvantaged, disempowered and ignored by their communities. Children are encouraged to reflect on Jesus’ actions and teachings to inform their own values, judgements and courageous choices. Children grow in character and independence, developing their sense of respect and justice, and grow in courage “to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8).

The Church of England also promotes the Christian values of wisdom, community and dignity as key values associated with courageous advocacy. For more insight into the theology behind courageous advocacy, refer to section 1 in the Church of England document, ‘Courageous Advocacy’.

• Church of England ‘Courageous Advocacy’

At St John’s, aspirational teaching encourages and challenges children to be their best selves, to take pride in their work, and to be positive members of the school and wider communities. Lessons and experiences across the curriculum, opens the children’s eyes to an understanding of the world, their place in it and how they can act to make positive changes for their local and global communities. Children learn about their own and other communities and world events and issues. They learn about people in history and present day who have shown courage and compassion whilst acting courageously to make the world a better place. This offers children hope and the tenacity to succeed in their endeavours.

Driven by our aim for our children to ‘let their light shine’, staff encourage the children to become ‘agents of change’, championing causes which are especially meaningful for the children themselves. Children research charities and causes that they feel particularly drawn towards, often issues linking to their own lived experiences. In Year 6, individual research projects are shared with the class who then select a Charity Committee. This committee then present their chosen charities to the whole school, who vote on which charity they would like to champion throughout the year. The children immerse themselves in fact-finding, debate, planning and taking courageous actions to make a positive difference to the school environment, local and/or global communities. Staff equip the children with skills to research, discuss, challenge, confidently voice their views and opinions, convince others to support their cause, and to become active citizens now and for the future. Children talk passionately about the actions they take and the impact it has on others as well as themselves. 

‘Carry One another’s burdens. And in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.’ (Galatians 6:2)

“If the purpose of education is the promotion of life in all its fullness and human flourishing, then this must, by necessity, involve developing young people who can learn to flourish in every aspect of their lives – young people who can work for the flourishing of others and for the planet we share.” (Church of England ‘Courageous Advocacy’)

Courageous Advocacy Projects

To ensure that we and our community give, inspire and flourish together, we have been and are supportive of a range of charities in our local area, nationally and globally. Some of these include:

• SADS UK (Sudden Arrhythmic Death Trust)
• Stand By Me
• Little Havens Hospice
• Danbury First Responders
• Broomfield Neonatal Unit
• Dogs Trust
• SANCTUS (Homeless Charity)
• Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
• Lexi-Doll Charity
• Children in Need
• Red Nose Day (Comic Relief/Sports Relief)
• Maldon Food Pantry

Our children have an excellent grasp on the meaning of belonging to a local and global community and the sense of responsibility that comes with belonging. Thereby developing their ability to empathise and make a small sacrifice to benefit others. Together we consider the beauty and fragility of our environment, the actions we take, and the impact these actions may have on the well-being of everyone. Our school community and curriculum actively embrace a responsibility for the world in which we live. We are diligent to show our connection with, and care for, the world in which we all live and care for the people who live in it: 

• Eco-Council (recently awarded Eco-Schools Green Flag Award 2023)
• Charities of significance to our children
• Strong PTFA with community events such as Christmas and Summer Fayres; and Easter celebrations
• Strong links with local pre-school

Courageous Advocacy Council 2024

At St. John’s, we have our own Courageous Advocacy Council. These pupils are part of a group that meets regularly to raise important issues that they and their peers face and discuss ways in which to address these issues. As part of this council, pupils take an active role in planning and leading Collective Worships and Church Services; lead open discussion with their peers in a class forum; and work collaboratively to advocate for causes they are passionate about.