My Role as an Advocate

I knew at a very early age that I wanted to work with children. The teachers I had growing up ( most of them) were great influencers in my life.  My sister who was mentally challenged also was a factor. My sister was one year older than me, (very quiet) in the evenings we would play school and I was the teacher.  When I had a better understand of her delays I just thought about her school environment and trusted that she was treated fairly.  Now, it comes back full circle today that advocating is a part of society because society always changes from one level to another. In the full scope of it all whatever we are advocating for it always starts small, little do we know sometimes it is preparation for macro advocating. Therefore, I think to become a community leader first you follow!

·         Take in the process

·         Take in the field work

·         Take in the disappointments

·         Take in the debates

·         Take in the advice

·         Finally take into consideration what you have learned and the area, people and places your passion is leading you advocate about.

After mastering the community leader I think the resources that it takes to become a state leader is  networking in the community, serving the community, patience of getting people to buy in and strength to get those likeminded to take a stand.   These things can be accomplished through hosting meeting, trainings and conferences. Also having a business mind is needed.

I think the greatest strategies to mobilize others are meeting them in their space of concern. Having resolutions to conflicts, but first mapping out the issues, this gives opportunities to those who want to be heard. The best advice that I could give someone who would be interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and families would be shadow a great leader! Give yourself time to understand the MANY scenarios that will come up meanwhile working in a small group to get the experience needed. Last, don’t run from but run to problems, they are easier when confronted and not as scary as thought to be.