One of my experiences with advocacy occured about ten years ago. A teacher was working with a family who had just moved to the area. The family enrolled a set of twins in the Head Start and could not afford school supplies for both children. The teacher saw the problem and asked some of the local stores to donate school supplies to the classroom. Through this campaigne, the teacher was able to gather enough supplies for other children in the classroom.
Watching someone take the initiative to create change in the classroom provided a positive experience for me in education and in my personal life. I realized at this moment that anyone can create change and anyone can make a difference in other people's lives. This helped me to see that advocacy is based on making a personal goal to create change and solve a problem. Therefore, I understand how educators can act as advocates for all children.
Teachers are some of the best advocates in the world. Teachers are sometimes the first one to advocate for children. I have seen this kind act of advocacy in so many ways. They bring food to the classroom to feed children who may be hungry, buy supplies for students, campaign for richer curriculum, and protest for higher pay. There are always lessons to be learned from a teacher. I also learned how to be an advocate by watching a teacher.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way for her to step up for a family and provide them with the things they need, without taking their dignity or pride. She was able to help that family meet a need without calling attention to the fact that they could not afford the supplies. By making it a group need and asking for donations for the entire class or school, she took the attention off of one specific family. Great example!
ReplyDeleteIf we all play a role of advocacy in someones life we made a little but big impact on someone else's life. Good deeds and caring is a quality we need to reinforce in others. We need to look at someone's situation and improve it to empower them. Thank you for sharing.
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