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.