“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and
truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over
the world...would do this, it would change the earth.”
― William Faulkner
What
inspires and excites you most about your advocacy plan and being an advocate?
One
of the things that inspires’ me the most is thinking about the outcome. I
believe that each time one makes a decision one thinks that everything will be
perfect. Yes, of course, one considers some down falls or bumps somewhere down
the line; of course, one might not consider things to be as bad as they get,
but when a choice or decision is made one imagines that everything will be
perfect, even if that might be far from the truth.
With
this said, this is what keeps me motivated and planning, hoping that the
outcome will be far beyond perfect and that all of the hard work will pay off
because I will have made a difference in the life of the children and most of
all the parents. I want and desire the parents to learn as much as possible in
order for them to be involve in the daily learning and reading of their
children now, then, and in the future.
What
challenges and/or anxieties do you feel related to engaging in the advocacy
efforts you have targeted?
One
challenge is the parents themselves. I could only pray to have parents that really
want and care for their children to learn. Many parents could go just to go not
because they are interested in the things that we might be doing or teaching. I
hope to have and find a way to reach all of these people. Another challenge might
be getting the permission of the school districts; I would need the permission to
come into their schools and even giving me a space to carry out my advocacy
plan.
What
do you believe will be most effective in helping you overcome any challenging
emotions you may be feeling with regard to presenting and implementing your
Advocacy Action Plan?
I
think that the most effective for any kind of emotion is the success that it
will have. If I was/am able to successfully help one person, then that means
that I am/will be doing something worthwhile. I know that when I see that
something that I did got positive feedback, I embrace it and it makes me feel
happy and good all over, and every time that I remember that particular event, I
smile and it makes me happy all over again.
How
can you encourage others in their advocacy efforts, and how can others
encourage you?
The
biggest help is supporting them and the cause. It could be either physically,
mentally, emotionally, economically, and so on. Another big help is not being
in the way; if you do not approve of it or do not believe in it, then do not
get in the way of it, do not judge it or criticize it. Encourage by helping make things better, by
spreading the word, and most of all by making your presence known by your
actions and efforts. I feel that this is the best way to encourage anyone, even
myself.
