The Association of Members' Advocates (AMA) was a Wikipedian voluntary association devoted to advocating, counseling, and assisting Wikipedians who were undergoing difficulties.
It claimed to be mindful of due process, fundamental justice and fairness and the principle of audi alteram partem (hearing both sides) in dispute resolution. However, in discussions here and here, it was found by many Wikipedians to be bureaucratic, and prone to wikilawyering. Some reform was suggested. Two months later, when this reform failed to surface and most cases were not responded to for a long time, the project was shut down. This page is maintained as a historical reference of the group's design and activities.
Advocacy is that process in which an individual (an Advocate) provides assistance to a particular Wikipedian or group of Wikipedians involved in a dispute. This assistance includes advice, assistance during the negotiation phase of Wikipedia's dispute resolution process, or:
Generally, the scope of, and appropriate methods for advocacy will be determined by the Advocate, based upon consultation with the person requesting assistance (the 'advocee'). Advocacy is an informal and voluntary process: there is no "right" (or obligation) to use the services of an Advocate.
The AMA will attempt to find a suitable Advocate for you. Advocates make an effort to preserve your privacy and to maintain a level of confidentiality and professionalism expected of counseling professionals. With some exceptions, however Advocates are not trained professional counselors, but volunteers. Though Advocates are volunteers, in some cases an individual advocate may (because they are a lawyer or social worker etc.) have an independent obligation to maintain confidentiality to varying degrees. If you desire a high degree of privacy, it is possible for you to consult with an advocate through email or other "off-wiki" methods. Please note that due to the open nature of Wikipedia, communications with the AMA or individual Advocates "on-wiki" cannot be considered confidential, as most areas within the wikipedia are available for anyone to read.
It is preferable to reach a resolution -- through advocacy alone -- which does not escalate to more formal dispute resolution procedures, however an Advocate can assist you in presenting your case during more formal processes such as Mediation or Arbitration. Because mediation is a consensual process, the involvement of an Advocate in the actual process may depend on the approval of the other party and the Mediator. Advocates can also help gather information and discuss your options with you and give advice on a more informal basis. In the latter case their identity does not have to be revealed to anyone if you wish the consultation to remain anonymous.