My Role as an Advocate

• What motivated you to start advocating for very young children?

I have spoken previously about my younger brother that has autism, and the tremendous role that my mother and the advocate that she worked with have play in his development and success thus far. The impact that Ann has had our our family's life, made me feel needed within the early childhood community, based on my personal experience. This also has given me the opportunity to make an impact in the life of individuals directly and indirectly. Sharing the joy of achievement with families and the community is the driving factor for my passion for advocating in the early childhood community.  

• Why is it essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro level?

The micro level of advocacy is what shapes the macro opportunities and efforts to begin to take form. Also, when advocating at the micro level, there is instant ratification for the effort that has been put forward and it shows the community the positive changes that have bee implemented on their behalf. On the macro level, the changes put in place by advocacy become universal and benefit communities on a broader scale. This takes more time and initiative than on the micro level, but helps families to see that every community matters the same. Both levels are equally important and deserving of change that will benefit the field. 

• What does it take to be a community leader on early childhood issues?

A community leader requires patience, resources, knowledge, compassion, and perseverance. 

• What resources does it take to be a state leader on early childhood issues?

It takes a broad scale of networking to be a state leader. It is also needed to have a group of educators and parents that are within the early childhood community. Also there is a need to be informed on current legislation and have knowledge of statues that are currently in effect for early childhood. 

• What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize others?

To mobilize others, I use compassion and understanding. Those two key techniques are valuable when it comes to understanding others and ensuring that they are sure to understand your own point of view. I also use effective listening to ensure that every thought is well captured. 

• What advice would you give to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families?

I would give them the advice of ensuring that they have done their research. Assuming the role of leadership in advocacy means that you have studied the field thoroughly and have all the knowledge needed to identify troublesome issues in the field that need to be changed. The leadership role in advocacy assumes the responsibility of the community they are impacting on the micro and macro level. This position is not take lightly and needs to display effective execution of issues and related topics.