A bumper sticker said it, Susan Sarandon
quoted that bumper sticker in an article, I try my best to live by it, and it even
graces the cover of my wall on my facebook page as a wall of a buildings spray
painted message inspiring those that read it to press on. “Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes.” ~unknown. The very first time I
saw it, I felt that feeling that I could do anything, go anywhere, fight for
what was right and WIN regardless to my shortcomings the truth would prevail.
Granted it originally pertained to my animal activism, but I speak for those
who cannot speak for themselves, and I feel just as strongly to advocate for
children and families. It applies; it inspires.
My advocacy plan includes a survey
for the parents to fill out. It is to gain feedback on the parents interests
regarding the incorporation of play in learning. I am excited about it. I have
used this method before and it proved very useful and it is always exciting to
hear feedback from the people you advocate for!
Being an advocate is more than just
speaking. The driving force behind speaking the truth is knowing the truth,
understanding the truth, being able to share the truth with others in a way
that they have ownership in that truth and then they themselves are able to speak
that truth even if their voice shakes, and desire to do so.
I have never been a part of a
project quite as large before. So being a catalyst for such a change is very
overwhelming. I sometimes feel that I could have gone a safer route, or wonder
what happens if I hit a road block such as policies that hinder the work I have
accomplished.
What do I believe will be most
effective in helping me overcome any challenging emotions I may be feeling
with regard to presenting and implementing my advocacy action plan?
Lets see... oh yes, Prayer. LOTS of PRAYER!!! Seriously I mean it. Also, speaking
with someone who has been involved in advocacy efforts for some time and
getting their feedback on how they first started is a road I am considering. I
may have a conversation with some of my family members. My mother, who was
involved in a lot of advocacy in the neighborhood, is a prime example. She was
involved in the Young Lords and worked as a community organizer in a
non-profit. My uncle was involved in the Black Panther party in his youth.
As far as encouragement goes, I will be available to anyone
even if they just need to have an ear to listen to them during this time. If
anyone needs to bounce an idea off of me or get feedback I am here as well. If
you are someone who believes in the power of prayer as I do, I most certainly will
pray with and or for you! As for me all of the above applies. If someone has
any information to help me in my work please send it, comment, etc. I will appreciate it!!
Remember that advocacy is not for sissies! We all may have
been nudged into it via this class, but if we think about it, our choice to
become educators had us here already. This class is just a springboard, and
tool to help us mold what we already are. We are advocates!
