MY ROLE AS AN ADVOCATE

What motivated you to start advocating for young children?

            I became interesting in advocating for young children after the birth of my son two years ago. Becoming a new mother fostered various emotions for me while increasing my interest in early childhood development, specifically in the areas of health, education, physical and social-emotional development. My parental role as a mother motivated me to increase my education and knowledge of early childhood development while advocating for young children and their families.

Why is it essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro level?

            It’s essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro and macro level as advocacy efforts at the micro level has the potential to significantly influence advocacy efforts at the macro level. In the article “Grassroots Advocacy: Empowering Providers to Affect Policy Change for Infants and Toddlers” Daphne and Patty acknowledged and fostered advocacy efforts at the micro level, specifically communities with the state of Tennessee through their family child care conference in which they established their first provider advocacy committee. The advocacy efforts at the micro level directly contributed to advocacy efforts at the macro level as the advocacy providers collectively decided to establish “Advocacy Day” in which the providers would travel to the state Legislative Plaza to meet their elected officials.

What does it take to be a community leader on early childhood issues?

            To become a community leader on early childhood issues one must be aware and knowledgeable of current early childhood issues, their effects on children and families, and potential solutions to rectify these issues. In addition community leaders on early childhood issues must possess effective team work, community skills, and cultural awareness. It is equally important for community leaders to be aware and acknowledge the primary needs and concerns of community members and the ways in which they are currently affected by early childhood issues.

What resources does it take to be a state leader on early childhood issues?

            To become a state leader on early childhood issues one must be aware and knowledgeable of current early childhood issues, their effects on children and families, and potential solutions to rectify these issues. State leaders should exhibit effective communication and team work skills while exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity to the diversity among residents within the state for which they represent. State leaders should be inviting and receptive to the concerns, opinions, and ideas presented by residents within the state regarding the early childhood issues that are of most concern.

What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize others?

            When attempting to mobilize others with regards early childhood issues I (1) effectively communicate my position regarding the issue/issues for which I am advocating (2) provide education regarding the effects children and families experience as a result of these issues (3) present potential benefits to children and families as a result of these issues being rectified (4) encourage effective team work and collaboration in combating these issues through advocacy efforts.

What advice would you give someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families?

            In speaking to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families I would advise that individual to (1) familiarize themselves with early childhood issues currently affecting children and families and the specifics effects of theses issues on children and families (2) maintain effective communication and encourage collaboration when speaking with children and families (3) establish a professional connection with key leaders at the local, state, and federal level (if possible). (4) maintain one’s passion for advocacy of early childhood issues and motivation to foster healthy growth and development of children and families.

PERSONAL ADVOCACY REFLECTION

The birth of my son two years ago was a joyous, rewarding, and unforgettable experience. In conjunction with these self-fulfilling emotions I was also presented with many challenges with regard to the care of my son and adjustment to motherhood. For several months after giving birth to my son, I experienced various emotions ranging from complete fulfillment as a mother to extreme fatigue, stress, and inadequacy as a mother. I would experience these various emotions interchangeably on a daily basis.

The one individual who served as my primary support during this period was my older sister. As a mother of two children my sister had the knowledge and experience of motherhood and was more than willing to provide me support, advice, and recommendations with regard to parenting and motherhood adjustment. My sister provided me support in nursing my son, developing a bedtime routine upon my return to work, and creating allotted time for myself  to reduce stress while resting my mind and body. Two years later my sister continues to serve as my primary support with regards to parenting and motherhood. She is typically my contact person when I have questions regarding developmental stages, illness symptoms, or behaviors exhibited by my toddler. During the time in which I was most in need of support, my sister served as my advocate and primary source of resource.

The impact that my sister had on me after the birth of my son, as well as the impact she continues to have on me, relates to my own exploration of advocacy work as I am striving to support children and families through effective advocacy efforts. Similar to the manner in which my sister provided support to me in during my adjustment to motherhood, I intend to provide support to children and families in the areas in which they are most in need. My sisters served as support to me to ensure that my physical and mental health was sustained, while fostering the healthy growth and development of my son. My advocacy efforts for children and families will be conducted in the most effective manner to ensure effective parenting, while fostering the healthy growth and development of children.

LETS BLOG!!

Hello everyone!

I am extremely excited and eager to begin a new course at Walden University, which enables me to increase my awareness and understanding of advocacy and public policy with the early childhood field, while bringing me one step closer to the successful achievement of my Masters Degree. I look forward to blogging with everyone and developing an awareness of individual perspectives of the early childhood field as expressed via personal experiences.