My Role as an Advocate

What motivated you to start advocating for very young children? The needs of my own child motivated me to start advocating for children because I figured there were other parents who had the same struggles as I did and I wanted to help them get through some of the hurdles I had to face.

Why is it essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro level? I believe many times it starts small such as a teacher changing the structure of her classroom to help students and realizes that her efforts are making a difference for other children as well.

What does it take to be a community leader on early childhood issues? To become a community leader, I believe one has to possess passion for what you want improve; not afraid to speak out on those issues, have effective communication and collaboration skills (zero)

What resources does it take to be a state leader on early childhood issues? I believe state leaders need to know the laws and legislative process of their state; be up to date with the current issues; have a community of practice that includes influential people; make children’s learning, development and well being the core focus; address children’s rights and honor diversity of all kinds in positive, constructive and courageous ways; build respectful, trusting, nurturing and equitable relationships; build respectful and genuine connections with families and communities; collaboratively develop a culture of ethical inquiry; and collaboratively create a community of learners.

What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize others? Strategies to use to mobilize others include partnering with other groups doing similar work; conduct media events; form advocacy groups; network with others

What advice would you give to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families? We need more leaders to advocate for what we want and be the voice of many so remember you can’t do it alone, educate yourself and don’t be afraid to be the squeaky wheel!

Note: I had to use resources other than those selected such as Zero to Three because I could not access them.

References

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/our-publications/every-child-magazine/every-child-index/every-child-vol-18-4-2012/leadership-look-like-early-childhood-settings/

Reutzel, D. R. (2013). Handbook of research-based practice in early education (p. 75). New York, NY: Guilford Press.