Blog
Journal - Module #3 - Your Personal Advocacy Journey
A
quote that you find inspirational regarding the role that advocacy can have in
the lives of young children and their families.
Then, post responses to the following:
From the
beginning of this course I have really been motivated by a quote that I read
from our text by Martin Luther King. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about
things that matter".
What
inspires and excites you most about your advocacy plan and being an advocate?
I am excited to have the opportunity to help
children and families learn about something that has become such an important
part of my life. My advocacy goals are
to teach children and families about the importance of proper nutrition and
physical activity to achieve a healthy lifestyle. I believe when something becomes so important
to yourself - it is that importance that will help drive your advocacy
efforts.
What
challenges and/or anxieties do you feel related to engaging in the advocacy
efforts you have targeted?
I sometimes think that I might be more excited about
my goals than other might be. Although I
feel somewhat anxious about my goals I know how important my goals are in
changing the lives of the children and families that I am working with.
I am also somewhat nervous about implementing one of
my long term goals. I proposed a goal to
get parents involved by having a fundraiser to earn money for new equipment for
this day care to incorporate into their new physical activity program. After observing the current equipment that
this day care uses I feel that it is important to help them acquire new
equipment. I also believe that I can get
children and their parents excited about a fundraiser. I am just not sure how to get involved with
a fundraiser and how to find a reputable company or business to work with to
accomplish my goals. I have heard about
grants that are available in our area for early childhood programs. This could possibly be an avenue to pursue if
my fundraising goals are not successful.
What
do you believe will be most effective in helping you overcome any challenging
emotions you may be feeling with regard to presenting and implementing your
Advocacy Action Plan?
I am a firm believer in talking through my anxieties
and challenging emotions with people that are supportive and encouraging of my
thoughts and goals. I call these types
of people "my sounding boards".
A person to bounce ideas off of.
Over the years I have earned the trust of many colleagues and I value
their opinions. In the past I have called
on them for encouragement and wisdom with important issues regarding my
business and in the lives of the children and families that I provide care
for. I trust that these people will not
only encourage me but they will keep me on track with presenting and
implementing my plan.
How
can you encourage other in their advocacy efforts, and how can others encourage
you?
I believe in hard work and dedication. I believe anything that is worth doing is
worth working hard to achieve. If
everything came easy how could we really appreciate our successes.
Also, I believe that I can be honest in my opinions
regarding questions that someone may have regarding their advocacy
efforts.
Honesty is what I would ask in return in regards to
encouragement from others.
Connie,
ReplyDeleteWe have many things in common and the first one is hard wrk and dedication. I believe that your advocacy will be very successful because there are many children suffering from obesity and parents reading this plan will be greatly appreciated. You are helping them to overcome this stressful situation. Many parents and professionals are ignorant at this topic but you will be there to educate them and open their eyes.
Hi, Connie I was very happy to see that we chose the same quote. This is one of my favorites quotes because when I am sad and discourage to continue working towards a cause I read this quote and after reading-it I feel motivated and stronger to continue advocating for a good cause. Finally, I feel that sometimes we need a little reminder like a inspirational quote to let us know of the importance of our job.
ReplyDeleteHi Connie,
ReplyDeleteI think that you will be just fine with carrying out your action plan. You are very lucky to count with such great people to guide and support you when you need them to be there for you. I think that your advocacy action plan focus is very important and parents are always open to learning ways to keep their kids fit. Teaching the parents about healthy nutrition and also providing them with resources that they can have access to in order to practice themselves and with their children is to include a 15 min work out daily whether it be dancing, yoga, exercise, jogging or being active in the park playground. I think that your presentation will be awesome and continue to be motivated about your advocacy action plan.