What motivated you to start advocating for very young
children?
My motivation
for wanting to advocate for young children came from the lack of awareness
about the field. As I learn information throughout this educational journey it
pushes me to want to learn more about ways I can advocate 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?
I believe that
there is no issue that is too big or too small. If person has an issue it should
never go overlooked, because it is affecting that person in some way. As an advocate identifying problems,
addressing the interest of others and the process in which it takes, is all a
part of the efforts to improve.
What does it take to be a community leader on early
childhood issues?
Within our
required text, it states that Advocacy is taking a proactive stance that response
to issues that concern a particular topic (Kieff, 2009). To be a community leader
a person will need to be resourceful and responsive to address different issues
that affect the lives of children, families and EC professionals. Part of the
role of leaders is to make sure that we understand the perspectives and
relationships that already exist between stakeholders, understand the qualities
of different perspectives and approaches in the community and then play a role
in bringing them together and moving them towards a positive outcome.
What resources does it take to be a state leader on
early childhood issues?
At state level you need to be at every board
meeting with regards to early childhood, speaking to state policymakers,
emailing and inviting representatives and congress to your center. These
connections are necessary and will impact generations to come. It is also
important to know the legislative rules and processes of your state as well as
procedures for your city (Kieff, 2009).
What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize
others?
Speaking out at
board meetings and inviting the administrative advocacy, legislation advocacy,
class advocacy, and case advocacy to discuss what the world would look like if
we could succeed with our goals, welcome other early childhood providers and
the community to speak up about the issues, and give others the tools needed to
problem solving issues.
What advice would you give to someone who was
interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and
their families?
I believe it is
helpful to show people that advocacy works by sharing experiences and ideas as
it relates to the field. Constantly, hosting meetings and networking with
others is essential to spread awareness. Through relationships and effective communication,
you are more likely to achieve goals. Branching outside of your four walls and
going out into the community to hear the stories of those who you serve and using
those stories to make changes within the field is what advocacy is all about.
Reference:
Kieff,
J. (2009). Informed advocacy in early childhood care and education. Upper
Saddle River, NJ:Pearson
I think that we share ideas that our motivation and passion thrive from having a lack of knowledge. A lot of people tend to judge the field based off a lack of knowledge, we do not receive enough credit for what we do but I think more support of the field will be granted when more people know the type of impact the field has on families and children. Through my journey I have learned so much about the field and have expanded my way of thinking as an Early childhood professional.
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