My Role as an Advocate

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

I started working with children at first because it was an easy job to get into a daycare center since my sister was already working there and able to get me in. However, after my niece went through a lot of traumatic situations when she was five, I was shocked by how various family and children’s services handled things. I was unable to do much for my niece since we lived in different states; however, I continue to be inspired to do more for other families and children.

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

Fostering advocacy efforts is important on all levels because it shows the desire to improve the lives and conditions for children and families all around the world.

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

Being a community leader takes effective communication skills as well as the drive and passion to advocate for children and families. Collaboration skills are also important so a leader can work with and address issues among other community organizations which can further institute a louder voice of advocacy.

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

A state leader needs to also have communication skills as well as political knowledge and understanding to assist in advising and implementing policies. I believe state leaders also must have skills that enable them to gain an understanding of how policies and advocacy efforts affect children and families at a more personal level.

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

As an advocate for children and families I use my voice as a way to mobilize others. By talking with others and using my passion in advocating for children and families, I have been able to bring fellow early childhood professionals to join committees with me. Any chance I get to talk with people about children and families, I am always expressing how I interact with children and families and I what issues need to be change and have more awareness and advocacy.

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

My advice to others interested in being a leader in advocating for young children and families is to first and foremost gain an in depth understanding of how children and families are affected by issues and how changes will impact their lives. It is also important for leaders to use the passion they have as an opportunity to express issues for children and families and to utilize every moment as a chance to gain another voice in advocacy efforts.