Chapter Overview:

In this chapter, the authors’ use the classroom as a space to discuss public advocacy. The authors’ argue communication creates community. As such the student and teacher have needs and responsibilities within the community. The chapter begins by exploring the works of Paulo Freire, an advocate for people who had very little power. Through the exploration of his theory and practice, the authors’ provide a model for public advocacy. The chapter ends with a look at structuring sound and trustworthy arguments.

Chapter Goals:

• Identify what public advocacy means
• Describe the role of power in communication, in general, and in advocacy, in particular
• Identify the responsibilities of speakers and listeners
• Identify common errors in reasoning and how to avoid them

Chapter Outline:

1. What Is Public Advocacy?
2. A Model for Advocacy: Paulo Freire
3. Problem-Posing Approach
4. Reflexivity
5. Praxis
6. Listening as Public Advocacy
7. Hegemony
8. Compassionate Critical Listening
9. Dialogic Communication
10. Critical Thinking
11. Public Advocacy: Integrity in Argumentation
    
    1. Reasoning
    2. Interrogating Reasoning
12. Reflexivity Revisited