Advocacy is the pursuit of influencing outcomes — including public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions — that directly affect people’s current lives. (Cohen, 2001)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advocacy
Information and useful links to international advocacy resources are available through the AusAID-funded Development Gateway. For more information visit:
http://www.developmentgateway.com.au/jahia/Jahia/pid/6494