ABC’s Fredericksburg Regional Head Start The of Advocacy Presents The of Advocacy ABC’s Action Builds Confidence April 5, 2011

I did it! Thanks! Advocates for Children. What is Advocacy? Advocacy is defined as pleading for or actively supporting an issue or cause. One can engage in advocacy by meeting with a legislator on an important issue, writing an editorial for a newspaper, raising awareness for a cause at a community event, or even promoting an issue while having dinner with friends. Advocacy occurs when an individual engages in dialogue about an issue they care about. It can occur in many forms such as speaking out, letter writing, protesting, voting, and even wearing a t-shirt that makes a statement. I did it! Thanks! Advocates for Children.

When you hear the word "advocate" or "advocacy," you may think it is only about supporting politics and legal issues. But, advocacy just means speaking on behalf of someone else or yourself. It means taking an active role in the decisions made in your child's life. Parents have always done that for their children. Mohandas Ghandi, political and spiritual leader in India  "If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children."

What Does Advocating Look Like? You do not have to know everything or always have questions. Just being aware of your main goals and knowing what you want is a good start. Advocacy does not have to be hard. Parents do it all the time. Know what you want: Make sure you are clear on what it is you need - information, assistance, financial assistance, and so on. Let others know your needs/concerns: Be able to say or write what you are looking for and what you want. The more specific and clear you are, the better you will be able to get what you need. Have a positive attitude: When it comes to getting answers or help for your children, it can be hard for parents. But if you approach people openly and seek help knowing that they most likely want to help you, you are likely to get the help you need. Actions Builds Confidence

Find Others Who Share Your Goals Meeting others who share your goals or who have gone down the path you are now going is always helpful. Parents: The kinds of things you want for your child is most likely similar to what other parents want for their children as well. Get to know other parents in your child's situation, child-care, school, or neighborhood. Parents are the most resourceful people around. http://redapplemom.com/ Community Groups: Look into groups in your local area that support children's issues. Here are some examples: Parent Teacher Association (PTA), School Board, City Council, Professional Child Care Organizations, and Parent Training and Information Centers. http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc National Organizations: Join national organizations that support children and families. http://www.firstfocus.net/ Voices for Virginia’s Children: Voices for Virginia’s Children is a statewide, privately funded, non-partisan awareness and advocacy organization that builds support for practical public policies to improve the lives of children. http://www.vakids.org/about.htm

Steps towards Advocacy In September the Parents are trained in Program Governance and Leadership Skills In October Parents attended the Step up for Kids Rally in Richmond In the fall John Morgan from Voices for Children trains parents on Advocacy In January Parents attend the Leadership Conference in DC. At the Leadership Conference parents have breakfast with Congress Parents attend the General Assembly. At the General Assembly the program is recognized and introduced to the cabinet members Parents write letters to city hall Parents present to the School Board Send letters to the editor of the Free Lance Star Step up and make a change

Ice Breaker Ice Breaker The Magic Wand The Magic Wand You have just found a magic wand that allows you to change anything. You can change anything you want. What would you advocate for? Discuss why it is important to make the change. Also discuss what you would change if you were in charge for a month. You have just found a magic wand that allows you to change anything. You can change anything you want. What would you advocate for? Discuss why it is important to make the change. Also discuss what you would change if you were in charge for a month.

Discuss what was common among the stories shared. Activity What is Advocacy? Share with people at your table about an instance when you advocated for a community issue. Discuss what was common among the stories shared. Key Points to discuss What techniques did you apply when you Advocated? How did you actually advocate? Ask yourself: What did I hope to achieve? What realistically did I achieve? “When advocating always remember not to assume that because you are certain about your goals that everyone else will agree with you”. How did you mobilize your resources. Who did you Collaborate with to voice your concerns. Identify sources of power that were available to you. “This is important because one of the major obstacles confronting an advocate is perceived lack of power”.