My Role As an Advocate

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

As an advocate I am motivated by the fact that children are our future and investing in their lively hood and education makes a difference in whether a child is successful or not in life. Also every child deserves the opportunity to be exposed to quality education.

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

On the micro level you helping families, providers, and teachers understand the importance of development and learning during the early years of a child.  The macro level is combining your foundation of early childhood knowledge with public policy and legislation.  As an advocate you have to be versed in both areas because the more you involve the micro level in the macro level the bigger the impact you can make.

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

It takes knowledge and passion for what you do.  It also takes being involved in community agencies  and making connections with those who are already community leaders. You also want to involve yourself with those who have a similar or same beliefs that you have and are willing to advocate for.   You must also be willing to stand alone in what you believe in and stand up for that belief.  

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

As Robin Roberts (Zero to Three) states it takes money as a resource to implement new programs and to even maintain current programs. It also takes having individuals on your side that have connections on a state level whether it be representatives or commissioners, someone that can actually make changes in your states policies and laws.

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

To mobilize others I use education of facts of things that are occurring in the field that they will be affected by.  Also when I interact with my staff or teachers and they have ideas or issues with the early childhood system I encourage them to get involved with legislation and law making.  

• 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 would be to let your passions guide you. Begin to make connections on the local level with those agencies or councils that share your interest.  Also begin to follow news through council newsletters or etc so that you can stay current with changes that are happening. 

Resource:

Zero to Three Policy Center. (2008). Advocacy strategies to improve outcomes for very young children: Interviews with leaders at the state and community levels. Retrieved from
http://main.zerotothree.org/site/DocServer/AdvocacyLeaders_final.pdf?docID=1882