Profile of a Volunteer

I wanted to shine some light on a wonderful lady I know.  I'd rather leave her anonymous because the work she performs is in anonymity through several organizations.  She is someone I met long ago through mutual work.  At that time I had no idea she was involved in so many endeavors to help others.  When I realized her passions and how busy her schedule was I could not believe that aside from her full time position (of already helping others) she was dashing to and from meetings with other organizations and volunteering whenever she received the chance to. 

Her volunteer efforts were many, but I can tell you that she fought fearlessly for those who could fight for themselves, especially children and the elderly.  I remember her lunch breaks would be spent working on grants and researching factual information for speeches.  She was able to excuse herself early and come in late to her full time position due to her wonderful advocacy work.  This was helpful in her ventures to advocate, which she often reminded me of. 

I have read the letters and seen her image in the paper in regards to a couple of advocacy works she has done.  However, she always has wanted to remain in the backdrop.  She would tell me that an advocate never makes themselves more noticeable than the people they are advocating for.  It really hits home now and it really makes sense.  I would ask her when she would be done and retire.  She would answer back, when children can go to bed at night without being scared and when our elderly can feel like they did back in the 50’s (referring to leaving doors unlocked and feeling safe).  Sadly, this may never be a truth but we can continue to help just that one more child out there to feel safe and to make it a better tomorrow.    

I took away from this brave, strong, faithful woman, that fighting for someone else makes changes that can continue to ripple.  I took away that my presence on this Earth was not merely to be, but to be here in the now and reach out to someone.  I saw her toil and I felt her anger when things were not up to par in her book.  She did not just sit there and be angry; instead she decided to take those extra steps to make a better and brighter day for children, their families, and the elderly.  She is someone I can think about and look up to.  She is an advocate. 

Using Social Media to Get Connected

My experience with social media has not always been thought of as positive.  In a previous position I held I had many co-workers who I deemed as friends stab me in the back only to watch me spiral down due to rumors.  After that I made it a point to trust no one and I haven’t been able to really let anyone in without suspicion of their intentions.  With the blog writing and Twitter, MySpace, and Facebook, I wonder how these people can be so open with their thoughts and feelings and not get hurt.  Even writing this EC blog for school makes me nervous at times. 

So to carry on with the assignment, social media makes me think of vulnerability.  Although in modern cases I should really be focusing on the many endless people who are able to join in and gain information because of it.  Because of social media, more things are known to more people.  If wanting to research a company before taking part in their services, customers can see reviews from other customers, read about past jobs, maybe gain a price list, and get an overall feel for the company by the layout of their webpage.  Talk about first impressions, they no longer have to occur in person. 

I was looking for a community service organization by my home so my daughter and I could get involved, and we found a local place that I was able to look up and research.  Although the building looked a little scary the website was very bright and informative.  There were links that took me to videos, conferences, ways to help, and to photos of past events.  I thought it was great and really changed my perspective and knowledge of the “lonely” building I had seen. 

I think the best social media tools are webpages that anyone can access.  I want to make the access a point because there is no logging in to see them.  Only because for people like me who don’t watch cable, or maybe also for those who aren’t glued to the radio all day to hear commercials that way, the Internet at least provides a place to research and gain information.  I would say though that I have seen billboards that have gotten my attention that have prompted me to look up what I read.  But since I don’t partake in social media sites like Twitter, the information that is there isn’t gained by me.  However, blogs are always a big hit, if you can figure out how to use them J.    

I know that major search engine sites like Yahoo! and Google are a first go to for me.  Through Yahoo! and MSN news stories are what people see first.  These news stories lead from reading to information to wanting to know more.  I think with trying to advocate there is a good chance that calling the news media or a site like Yahoo! and pleading for your story to be listed has one great chance of getting noticed. 

Colleagues, what do you think about blogs and webpages versus television and radio?  Also, does anyone know how to find different blogs by searching for something in a category like- cooking??

Advocacy Messages

I really liked this advertisement for fathers being present in their child's lives.  Although there isn't a tagline involved, it's the humor in the message that makes it memorable.
http://bcove.me/53pdh287  and another  http://bcove.me/049xpxje.  Too cute!!

This is a link to the ActionHeroAlliance.com that encourages children to eat better and become super heros.  With all of the super hero movies out and action figures available, I believe this campaign really targets kids today.  http://bcove.me/fegc2shf

I also thought this message was inspiring since it brings to light our current look at being beautiful.  The ad says that this woman does not walk runways, but she does walk to a village to save countless children.  http://bcove.me/a7ndbq7v 

I don't have cable so I have never seen any of these commercials or any commercials at all for that matter. 

Here was an ad that I thought was very smart and witty.


I feel that all of these messages provide humor along with their message for hope and change, and in that everyone can smile and think about them throughout the day.  I find that when I see something funny I am more likely to remember it and also reflect back on and want to become a part of it.  If the message makes you feel good, wouldn't you want to join in? 

My Own Capacity

There are a couple issues which impact early childhood that fuel my passion to advocate.  The first is emotional stability in children and the other is child abuse and neglect.  I believe these can tie in together due to the fact that from abuse and neglect brain patterns can develop differently and coping strategies can too.  This can lead to children harboring feelings of resentment, not being able to trust, and feeling frightened in otherwise non-threatening situations.

Some resources that I have to help in my advocacy work are childhood organizations in my area which I could speak to in order to gain alliances and information from.  I also have a local library for research, and a mental health agency nearby which I could also gain research information.  I have websites for which I could use to obtain the numbers and business addresses of my local government. 

In order for me to grow I would like to first state what attributes I have.  I feel that I make friends easy and I ask a lot of questions, which is sometimes annoying but helpful in my understanding.  I feel that I can research easy, as far as gaining information, more thorough research is something I can’t attest to.  However, I would like to grow in the area of the law and the policies.  I am not up to date there and I also have a hard time reading the jargon that goes along with it.  Sometimes I can get very nervous and forget what I was trying to say, so growing in the area of being anxious versus calm would be a good start since advocacy requires frequent meetings with policy makers and their staff.       

My Role as an Advocate

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

My daughter was my first motivation and always will be.

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

I believe that we must start small to make a big difference.  Starting at the micro level allows us to gain a better insight into how organizations function and their role in building to the macro level. 

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

I think it takes dedication, long hours, the ability to create and drive followers, and positive thinking that remains through the bad as well as the good.

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

Having many people to back you on an issue and a gathering of others who are willing to advocate for the same issues.  This provides many voices to the policy makers who are to be our biggest allies.  To form alliances with policy makers and to be known in the government sector.    

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

Speaking directly to or sending information to other organizations and agencies making them aware of the issues.  I would also like to see a follow through plan in which other advocates would be able to see our goals and who we would like to talk to. 

 ◦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 advise them of the determination needed, and the setbacks that can occur in order to reach goals.  As well as sticking to one task at a time, which can be difficult when you feel the ball is rolling.  But I think looking back and reliving the experience of the successes and failures helps prepare us for the next steps in advocacy work and our goals. 

Personal Advocacy Reflection

I was personally able to be an educational advocate for my friend who I was in the military with.  I had previously had a struggle finding resources because when I exited the military I wasn’t given a “proper” civilian transition briefing.  I had no idea what resources were available to me or how to continue school with my G.I. Bill.  Calling the VA only made matters worse due to switching between call centers, untrained personnel, and law changes due to the war.  I finally had to spend loads of time researching and figuring things out on my own.  When my G.I. Bill ran out I felt trapped.  I had 2 more classes till I was to graduate with my BS degree and no way to pay for it.  Again, I had to really hit the pavement to find out where to go, gaining bits and pieces of information as I went.  I finally had the answers with the Vocational Rehabilitation Center and was then able to qualify for benefits to extend the G.I. Bill out to finish the 2 classes I had left. 

A year later my friend became stuck in the same boat.  She was worried and came to me for help about where to turn.  She too had tried the VA route and got nowhere.  I told her about the Vocational Rehabilitation program and gave her the 1-800 number.  From here she was able to qualify and finish out her BS degree.  I felt really good that I was able to find out that information and then relay that help to my friend to help her as well.  I was angry at first that this information was not easier to find.  Education is such a huge part of the military that I was surprised I had to bend over backwards to gain the information.  Other areas that were hard for me to gain access to were buying a first time home as a veteran, employment assistance, and disability assistance.  In fact after I spent months applying for my VA loan to buy my first home, I was told it was good to go.  Only to get a call from my bank a month later saying if I didn’t take action the loan would be dropped.  Take action, what action!?  According to the VA you have to be married to obtain the loan.  No one told me that.  A call to a judge and 2 hours later I was officially a Mrs., and all for a house!  Although I love being an advocate, I would never advise getting married to buy a home ever again!  Ha ha….

When I Reflect About My Collegial, Professional Learning Community

Learning in a collegial environment always provides a great way for people from different areas to get together and share ideas.  I have really enjoyed being able to learn the opinions of other professionals in all aspects of early childhood.  Even colleagues who are not currently a part of the early childhood profession bring in outside resources and information which help to ask and answer new questions.  I also enjoy learning with a group of polite and caring individuals.  That always makes for a pleasant learning environment.  I also noticed that interacting and responding in online courses with other professionals, sets me up professionally in manners of speaking and being cordial in my daily working life.    

I have definitely learned to research into systems to see how they function and work.  To see who they work with and how these organizations come together.  I have learned in this class in particular that one organization does more than meets the eye or more than we read about.  We can affect the way policies are written and we can advocate for policy change.  I will take with me the cost of what changing a life means.