Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
What excites me most about being an advocate for children and families is making a difference for them and possibly changing their lives. There have been so many days where I go to work and think, "Wow... Another day of doing the same thing." About a year ago, I took another look at my daily activities and realize that yes, it is routine, but by showing up, I am making a difference to the children I care for. My showing up every day tells them that I care for them and love them. Consistency is huge in child care, especially if they do not have it at home.
The anxieties I face relating to my advocacy efforts is the fact that not everyone will be on my side. I am so used to everyone being on board with my plans because I only focus on work and my colleagues of whom I have worked with for six years. I never take the time to think of the community and how others may oppose my efforts. That is what makes me nervous. People I do not know criticizing me and my work. That is what I am afraid of.
I believe that talking with people will help me overcome these challenging emotions. Once I vent, so to speak, I feel so much better and I want to begin working again. Sometimes venting can even persuade others who may be on the fence about the issue. If they hear and see how passionate you are about this issue, it will, hopefully, make them feel and see the same thing you are. It will help them come off that "fence" and come over to your side.
My words of encouragement are, "NEVER Give up!!!" Do not give up when people are criticizing your efforts and do not give up because people persuade you differently. This is your issue and your chance to make a difference. In the end, it does not matter who talked down about you and your plans, all that matters is the lives you have changed through your advocacy efforts.
Great quote. We do owe a children a life free from violence and fear. As advocators we try our best to make this as possible as can be. Sometimes we are, unfortunately, late. But the ones we do serve and protect are provided with the proper needs. I like how you took the time to realize that at the end of the day, you go through a routine. At the end of every day you hope to see the same successful results and some thing else to give it extra sparkle. I also face the anxiety of not having people on my side. I know we must acknowledge the nay-sayer, but it becomes frustrating. The nay-sayer also lets us know what we need to think over again. Thank you for your word of encouragement. They are really needed at this time. If we give up, we are giving up on our children. Therefore we are giving up on our future. I look forward to hearing more from you.
ReplyDeleteAnita said, to http://rpreuschlintern2.blogspot.com.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. Your quote was right to the point in protecting our children. I also, feel the same at my job. Our numbers at our childcare center have reduced which means employees are working fewer hours. It is a struggle for me now, because I am not there in the morning to academically work with my 4 year olds. I am more of a floater, but I am responsible for all the lesson plans, activities, and document of learning activities because I am a lead teacher. Sometimes, I feel that no one sees my efforts. When I actually work with the 4 year olds, it is after nap. I never seem to have time to complete any activity with these children and I am finding that because I am not working with them in the morning they are forgetting what was taught to them. It is like starting all over again because no one is focusing on the children's needs. It is just a routine. I love your words of encouragement. I will not give up and I am constantly voicing my concerns. This journey in advocacy work has given me insight to many problems that need to be addressed and changed in order to prepare our children to be lifelong learners.
You brought an excellent point. Consistency is important, it is a vital and necessary characteristic in a child's life. As you are providing, it is not something that many children experience in their everyday life at home. Inconsistency is what brings insecurity in a child's life, when they should be discovering how to trust and depend on people, they are instead learning to fear. What you do everyday might be a routine to you, but to a child that lives in an erratic world, you are giving them the belief that there are people that do care and love them. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel, in the beginning of your efforts, surround yourself with others that support you. By researching and reaching out to professionals and leaders that will fight with you, will help you to feel more secure and not worry about facing the fence sitters or your opponents. I truly believe that we all have a fire inside of us; a passion for out work and the topic that we each select is one we take to heart. People will see that in you, whether you are nervous or not, your passion will guide you and others to additional support and allies. Be true to yourself and your cause and never give up!! Good luck!!
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