"Profile of a Volunteer"

The person I chose to profile is a former Head Start parent of mine that dedicated so much of her time to my classroom.  She came almost everyday and help out in the classroom with whatever we needed.  She helped with serving meals, cleaning, running errands, cutting out letters for bulletin boards, etc.  She also accompanied us on field trips often which was always good to have another person along.  The children loved her and were just as comfortable with her as they were with the teachers.

I feel her work has positively impacted others because she devoted so much time to her child's education and to the school as well.  It also impacted others because Head Start gets in-kind credit for volunteers, and although she knew that volunteering her time helped the school in some capacity, I don't think she realized to what extent.

The vital message here is that there are always opportunities to play a part in educating children and making a lasting impact on their lives as they grow and learn. We should all look for ways to play a part in fostering the well-being of children and families.

Thanks to all my parent volunteers for your hard work and dedication

"Using Social Media to Get Connected"

My experience with social media consists of a facebook page and a blog that I  use for class.  I read a lot of posts by others on facebook, but I rarely post anything myself unless it is wishing someone a happy birthday or liking a comment or picture that someone posted.

Social media tools that are effective for advocacy are the ability to post links, pictures and other information on a media page in order for others to see.  I would use these tools to educate and inspire others by posting encouraging stories and quotes and by providing information that will be valuable to those with an interested in areas that concern children and families and improving the quality of services to them.

Some of peoplehave suggested that I create a twitter account in order to reach more people.

"Advocacy Messages"

Great parenting is done through "on the job training", and it's something you get better at as time passes. There are so many children that need someone who is just willing to take a chance.


Often times fathers are not involved or have limited involvement in their children's lives. We need to make sure that fathers understand the importantance of being a part of their child's growth and development. Kids don't understand why dad always has to work or why he is not there, so take time out for what they do understand.



https://www.psacentral.org

"My Own Capacity"

Which issues impacting young children and their families and/or the field of early childhood fuel your passion?

 All issues concerning young children and their families fuel my passion, especially
 issues dealing with abuse/neglect and child hunger.  The thought of any child
 being hungry or abused/neglected makes me want to work harder as an
 advocate to help put an end to abuse/neglect and hunger.

What resources do you have at your disposal that can benefit your advocacy work? 

 My work, education and experience as an early childhood educator has provided me with many valuable resources such as local, state and national  organizations and agencies that support the well being of children and families.  I have also acquired a lot of resources through classes and research while at Walden that I will continue to use over the years to benefit my advocacy work.  

In what ways do you hope to grow in order to be a more effective advocate?

I hope to broaden my knowledge of the issues that affect young children and families by continuing to stay informed of the changes in early children education, as well as, the policies that affect the services to children and families.  I hope to build relationships with other advocates and become more involved in organizations that also support children and families.



                

Personal Advocacy Reflection

I remember being a Head Start student and having the two best teachers in the world.   As a child, I learned alot from these teachers, and I loved them dearly.  I always considered my time at Head Start as the best educational experience ever.  
In 1994, I went to work for Head Start as a Teacher, and those same two women were still working for Head Start.  They were serving in other roles for the program, but still had the same devotion and dedication.  I have always been inspired by their years of working with young children and being advocates, not only for Head Start, but for young children everywhere.  Over the years, I've strived to be just as good of a teacher for the children in my class as these women where to me.  I wanted to impact the children that I was teaching the way that my teachers impacted me.   Their impact made me realized the passion I have for educating and advocating for children.   I hope in my time as an educator, I have (will) inspire other children as well.

"WELCOME"

Hello everyone and welcome to class!!! I'm looking forward to working with you and sharing lots of great information and ideas.  Good luck to you all!!

"Advocacy Messages"

"Teach your kids how to stop bullying and be more than a bystander"

-This message is effective because it encourages children to take a stand against bullying instead of standing around and watching someone be bullied.  It lets children know that bullying can be prevent and/or stop if they step in and let the ones doing the bullying know that it's wrong and they won't tolerate it.

"Give. Advocate. Volunteer.  Live United"

-This message encourages people to become involved in making a change in their community.  It also encourages them to advocate for the needs of others regardless of who they are and it encourages unity among all people.


(http://www.adcouncil.org)

"My Own Capacity"

Which issues impacting young children and their families and/or the fieldof early childhood fuel your passion?

               

                Issues that fuel my passion include poverty, improper healthcare and inadequate educational oppourtunities.  These are all basic needs that children and families should have in order to develop and survive.  This country should have better system in place to make sure that nobody has to live in poverty or suffer through health and educational shortfalls due to the lack of effective programs and/or resources in place to make sure their basic needs are being met.

What knowledge, skills, dispositions and/or talents do you possess that will contribute to your advocacy work?

                  My years of experience as a educator working with children and families and the education and training I have receieved over the years has prepared me to identify and understand issues that impact children and families and the directions I will need to take in order to become an effective advocate.  I have learned about identifying stakeholders who have a vested interest in the issues concerning children and families.  I have also learn how commuinty resources, policy makers,  other advocates, and even families play an important role in advocating for children.  I believe this combination of training, education and experience, along with my desire to continue learniing as much as I can about advocacy will continue to be a positive contribution to my advocacy work.

In what ways do you hope to grow in order to be a more effective advocate?

                I hope to continue to learn as much as I can about becoming an effective advocate by continuing to work with other advocates and by continuing to expand my knowledge of the issues that impact children and families.  I also hope to continue to stay informed of changes and challenges that occur by using available resources and information to strengthen my advocacy efforts. As wel I hope to continue to build effective, positive and trusting relationship with children and families.

"My Role as an Advocate"

What motivated you to start advocating for young children?
Young children can not speak for themselves, therefore, they need a voice to speak for them to make sure that their needs are being met on a continuous basis.

Why is it essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro level?
Great advocacy efforts work best at all levels, micro and macro.  It takes working together on all levels to become great advocates for children.

What does it take to become a community leader on early childhood issues?
It takes actively partnering with the community to identify and address early childhood issues.  It involves listening to the concerns and challenges within the community and working together to provide more effective early childhood opportunities.

What resources does it take to be a state leader on early childhood issues?
It takes a commitment to making sure that everything possible is being done at the state level to make sure the needs of children and families are being met.  Leaders at the state level must work closely with leaders at the local level to reach the same outcoome.

What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize others?
Sharing information about advocacy efforts and opportunities to expand efforts and get others involved.  Join professionals organizations and share information from these organizations with others.  Create new opportunities for involvement by soliciting ideas and suggestions from others and working together to put these ideas into action.

What advice do you give to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families?
I would advise them to identify the issues that are the most important to them and work to create partnerships with others who can relate to these issues and those who could become a valuable resources as they work to resolve the issues.  I will also advise sharing information and strategies that have proven successful and incorportating these strategies in current advocacy efforts.

"HELLO"

Hello Everyone,
     I'm looking forward to sharing with you as we continue on our educational journey.  Good luck to all!!!!