What motivated you to start advocating for very young children? My motivation came from a desire to see children from all communities have the necessary tools in their early education to become successful in school years and later as productive citizens in their future communities.
Why is it essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro level? I believe that fostering advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro level is important as it allows you to build a community of advocates from the families and children that are affected to local community leaders and then to government officials. These are simply building blocks to ensure that everyone involved understands their importance.
What does it take to be a community leader on early childhood issues? 1) Research to ensure that you have an understanding of your community needs regarding families and young children 2) Persistence 3) Established relationship with community organizations such as: civic league, principals in schools and other non-profit organizations within your community – familiarity with other non-profit organizations will allow you to understand their focus so that you are not duplicating efforts but may be able to combine efforts to reach a common goal.
What resources does it take to be a state leader on early childhood issues? In some instances I believe that in order to be a state leader on early childhood issues is similar to that of a community leader. 1) You must have an understanding of issues regarding young children and their families in your state 2) Persistence 3) Be familiar with organizations within your state that may have similar programs for children. For example: we may be able to take the steps that Elliot Regenstein took in the State of Illinois in implementation of the Preschool for All Initiative.
What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize others? 1) Build a relationship with the individual 2) Grasp an understanding of who they are 3) Work with them to set goals for themselves 4) Praise them when they accomplish those goals 4) Be honest in correction
What advice would you give to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families? 1) Be persistent 2) Research 4) Do not get discouraged 5) Stay focused on your overall goal.
Carmen I think that it is important to let new advocates know not to get discouraged. It can be very discouraging to have such a strong belief and want to be heard and feel like people are not hearing or feeling you on a specific issue.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!!!
Carmen,
ReplyDeleteAs I wrote to address these questions, it really made me think. Especially the idea of mobilizing others. What could I do to get others moving? One thing that has truly made me mobile is just learning more about the issues that children are facing and the policies that affect these issues. I think these were great questions to get us to thinking.
Good point about persistance. I think thats where taking advice from those advocates that came before us, as well as current collegues can help us keep going when it is especially challenging.
ReplyDeleteGloria,
ReplyDeleteYes, these questions were very thought-provoking. I think that I want to really start right where I am. Through study this week I realize that this issue can also be so large that we lose focus and not get anything accomplish. That is why I say that I am going to start write where I am and make a difference in my current community.
Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteI want to be just like a sponge and soak up all of the knowledge that I can from other advocates and specialist in this field. I think that we have such a great job to do, but the outcome of it all will be worth it.
Carmen,
ReplyDeleteI really love this blog assignment because it gives us each a more personal view into the motivations behind our colleagues. You seem to genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of children and your community. And I must say your tactics/strategies to mobilize others are excellent! You are a great motivator and I know you will do great things in your advocacy efforts. Good luck!