Advocacy is a human undertaking and
there is much to be gained by leaving the humanity of people in the equation.
While there is, indeed, an element of calculation that should usefully be
brought into how to pursue an advocacy agenda it cannot be allowed to
overshadow the fundamental fact that it is the character of people themselves
that advocacy rests on. When they are weak so will be their advocacy and when
they are strong the reverse will normally be true. The quality of advocacy
naturally flows from the capacity of those involved to do what is asked of them
.If people are inexperienced then one could well expect a novice-like
performance. Similarly, if they have successfully faced and managed many
fractious and divisive incidents in the past they can be expected to show a
measure of calm and balance in the face of new provocations. We humans are not
such a fixed commodity that we are beyond influence. In fact we are very
capable of altering our performance on advocacy for the better if we are
properly prepared and supported in the process. This is so irrespective of the fact that we all bring considerable variation to the table as to
our natural and supplemented endowments vis a vis the advocacy role.
There was a day a friend was telling
me about how she decided to quit her job in order to be going to volunteer in
her children’s school. She said she advised some of her friends if they could
be taking some time off their work in order to come and see how their children
are at school. She said she discovered that her children are struggling to go
along well with the other children because of their accent. She was able to get
two of her friends that joined her in one of the PTA meetings and raised the
issue and since then she said things have improved that her children has made
many friends. She said when she shared her experience with her one of her
neighbors that’s how she too decided to be volunteering in her children school
once a week while the her husband does the same. I think this is what advocacy
stands for to perceive that somebody is in need and you stand in gap for that
person to meet his need which brings changes in the life of the person at the
end. I was really encouraged and impressed with the action of my friend which
has made me more interested in advocacy.
Reference:
http://www.socialrolevalorization.com/articles/kendrick/reducing-fears-and-inhibitions-concerning-personal-advocacy.pdf
Bisi,
ReplyDeleteI have not really been to involved with the PTO but recently have dabbled in it to see what the expectations are of everyone. Our first event is next week with a luncheon for the teachers. I found myself wanting to buy more than I was suppose to buy for them. My daughter was with me and wanted to know why the PTO was so important. By the time we were at the checkout cashier she was so excited that this organization was around. She did not realize how little the teachers were paid and unappreciated by others. Even though I am not able to volunteer my time during school hours I can provide for items they may need in order for my child and others to be successful. Providing lunch for those teachers is a way they will pay it forward with my child.
Bisi, I appreciate the way you approach this blog assignment. You had us to focus on the idea advocacy is about humans, about human needs and providing the most support that will allow for children to grow and develop. In the end, this is exactly what it is about- the children. Good luck in both your present and future opportunities to advocate.
ReplyDeleteBisi,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. Advocacy does mean standing in the gap for someone else. I like how you put that. It is great that your friend got involved. But she didn't stop there. She continued to advocate to get other parents involved. That's a great example and I can see why you found it inspiring.
Thanks,
Danielle