Akil Martin

UWRT 1102-002
Project One

A Humanizing Condition
An advocacy is an individual, a group of individuals or even an organization that aims to
ensure that people, animals and also the environment being affected by a negative entity is being
aware to society, funded for research or basically lending a helping hand to counteract the
negative entity.
The kind of advocacy that I will be focusing on is group advocacy. This advocacy is
where a numerous amount of individuals come together with a common issue that they feel that
should be dealt with. The group advocacy offers mutual support, skill development and have the
intensions to make a change and development in society.
The advocate that relates to the type of advocacy that I am focusing on is NBA Cares.
This advocate is a global social responsibility program that addresses important social issues in
United States and around the world. NBA Cares works with internationally-recognized youthserving programs that support education, youth and family development, and health-related
causes, including: Special Olympics, YMCA of the USA, Boys and Girls Clubs of America,
UNICEF,

the

Make-A-Wish

Foundation,

Share

Our

Strength

and

GLSEN.

(www.cares.nba.com/mission/). This advocate does not limit its ability to counteract to one issue
as there are variety of issues that should not be overlooked. NBA Cares provides different types
of programs that carter for different issues. These programs would include Hoops for Troops,
My Brothers Keeper, NBA Fit and NBA Green. These programs are hosted by the NBA, the
NBA teams and the professional basketball players apart of those teams.

Hoops for Troops is a program were the NBA players work side by side with the nations
military to contribute and have a positive impact on communities across the country. These
activities include leadership seminars, community service events and basketball-focused fitness
activities. The mission for this program is Hoops for Troops is a year-round initiative led by the
NBA, its teams and players in collaboration with the Department of Defense, USO and other
military and veteran-serving organizations to honor active and retired service men and women
and their families. My Brothers Keeper is multi-sector effort launched by President Obama
and the White House to help put boys and young men of color on a pathway to success by
building education, mentor and job opportunities in traditionally underserved communities. The
NBA players participate in this program by being a mentor for the youths as many of them look
up and follow them.
Through NBA Green, the NBA has partnered with the Green Sports Alliance to generate
awareness and funds for protecting the environment. The NBA is taking steps to be more
environmentally friendly and will continue to explore ways of reducing its impact on the
environment through community outreach programs, generating awareness among fans and
greening its operations. NBA FIT is the league's comprehensive health and wellness platform
encouraging healthy living and wellness for children, adults, and families. NBA FIT promotes
physical activity, nutrition, and healthy choices through programs, events, and educational
products. NBA FIT's mission is twofold. First, the program exists to motivate, inspire, and
inform kids, adults, and families on the importance of sound nutrition and regular exercise.
Second, NBA FIT aims to encourage youngsters to lead by example at home and school by being
active, eating well, and modeling healthy life choices.

NBA Cares is an advocate that can change lives and be beneficial for the world. As it
supports individuals and make society aware of certain issues, it is also done with NBA players
that a lot of youths and adults look up too and see as role models which should make more
individuals aware and take seriously.