EDUC 6766 Messages for Families

I can think of a few examples of people who have touched my life through advocating for me and for other families, but I am deciding to take a moment to reflect on what it looks like to advocate on a smaller, quieter scale.
As I've mentioned in previous posts, I suffered from postpartum depression. I was exhausted trying to simultaneously survive, heal myself, take care of my baby, and educate myself on topics that were all new and overwhelming. In the midst of the chaos, I received a short email from an acquaintance. We had chatted about being moms briefly before, nothing too very deep, but she took the time one night to send me an online flyer to a parenting class that she had attended years ago. There wasn't any moralizing, pushing, preaching, or pressure of any kind. Just a simple offer and smile. I looked at it, read about the program, its history, and the people involved and became intrigued. I attended the class, and that night I consider one of the launching points for where I am today as a mother. I learned information from that group I had never heard before in my life, and it felt good and right to me, and I made My Choice to stay involved with them.
One little resource offering and smile gave me permission to Choose. I appreciate thinking about this act and what it implies about my life as an advocate. There are so many different advocacy hats we can wear. I want to go out on the streets and march and shout. I want to collaborate with great minds and write up policy proposals. I want to work with organizations I believe in to reach the masses. I want to hold hands with those who ask for help. I also want to quietly smile and share with those who don't ask. They may choose it, they may not, but at least that Choice has been revealed, and that is everything.

EDUC 6765 Why Advocacy?

Advocates are people who stand up for, speak for, and work to enhance the lives of others who are not able—or not yet able—to speak for themselves. Advocacy is often highly visible and plays out on the national or international stage. But just as often, advocacy is quiet and personal and is immediately noticed by only those most affected. (Kieff, 2009, p. ix)

Vision and Passion

Why am I an Advocate? Because it's written on my heart. That's the simplest answer. Since I was very young I have felt a strong sense of duty towards protecting and supporting women. This probably came from both my mother's feminist messages turning my head, and my own innate curiosity and passion. My name is a version of the name Alexander, which means "Protector of mankind". My mom used to tell me that my name, Alexandria, means "Protector of womankind". I have since evolved my definition to "Protector". I like thinking of myself as a warrior. I hold this as a precious part of my identity. Warrior, Healer, Mother... Advocate.

My journey as a children's advocate unfolded over time. Through my journey through childhood and adolescence, I wasn't ok with how I was sometimes treated, or how my friends were treated, within the framework of family, school, and the world. As I grew older through adulthood, educated myself on many subjects, had more experiences, and then became a mother myself- my heart exploded. I had certain experiences through my pregnancy, birthing, and post birth that I now know are not ok. I didn't have enough knowledge then, but now I know and I want to empower all mothers and families to have more choice and knowledge. As a mother I have seen and heard current views and perspectives on children that are not ok. I know I am probably preaching to the choir, since you are all advocates and lovers of this career field. I am thrilled to be in this community, no matter how temporary, and to be influenced by all of your voices and ideas. With each class, with each discussion post, I am transformed in some way by hearing you.

The Early Childhood field, in particular, needs strong advocates. Children, I believe, are the most silenced and unheard demographic. They virtually have no voice. They are the most vulnerable of us all. They rely on adults for everything- they need our protection, they need to be respected, and they deserve rights. Families deserve accessibility to ALL information. People deserve to know their rights, options, and most up-to-date information. When I was a new mother I was exhausted going through all the information that I didn't even know existed. It was overwhelming and it was hard to find proper support. Since this is the world today, nothing will change unless we change it. That is how it works. People need to connect, collaborate, enlighten, and yell very very loudly :)

Goals

• To learn from and be enlightened by each of my cohort's and professor's wisdom, experience, and vision.
• To dig deeper into my vision for advocating for Children's Rights and parent empowerment, so I can go into the world with specific purpose and intention.
• To research as much as possible about current initiatives in the world right now.

EDUC 6766 Tools for Policy Makers and Advocates

Hello fellow Advocates!

After this class is the Capstone... I can't believe this journey is almost at a close. Well, not really, it's almost time for me to transition to the next phase! That's better said :) I am so elated to finally be into the specialty classes. Advocacy is a career for the heart, and I am so thrilled to be learning from everyone on board with me. Thank you ahead of time...

Thank You

I am at a loss for words that can fully describe the awe and wonder at all I've learned throughout this program. What I most cherish is the inspiration I've drawn from the discussions and blogs. They truly add the personal touch that an online learning environment needs. I am so grateful to everyone for sharing pieces of their journeys. I have grown from everyone's perspectives and wisdom. I look back at when I decided to name this blog Open Hearted Childhood. I feel that through this program I have actually transformed into an Open Hearted Professional! Thank you to everyone. I genuinely wish you all the absolute best in your individual journeys. May you touch the hearts of countless children and those that care for them <3

The Ritual of Adjourning

Groups of all kinds come and go throughout our lives. Sometimes. Some groups stay together forever. Some shift or alter in some capacity. The degree of attachment within a group is unique to each experience as well.
I remember well a parent educator training program I was a part of for two intensive months. I moved to a completely different state to attend. It was a highly sentimental experience for me both commencing and adjourning. My son was about 1, I had been suffering terribly with postpartum depression accompanying the pregnancy, birth, and subsequent illness and death of my mother. This parent educator group provided a transformational experience that helped me completely shift my lens on and understanding of children and childhood while simultaneously working deeply on my heart and soul as a mother and person. Since it was such a vulnerable and life-changing subject, paired with an extremely loving and supportive atmosphere, the imprint left on my heart was much deeper than other groups or teams I've been a part of.

One aspect I found so lovely was the director's belief in rituals. She made each stage so magical and special. I remember doing a symbolic entering of the "space" on the first day and when we adjourned on the last day we all sang and danced to the song "Imagine" by John Lennon. So touching.
As for the online nature of this degree program, I feel like the end of each class if an adjourning of sorts. I very much feel like I give a heartfelt "Namaste" to everyone. I am sure the very final class will give me pause and I will send a lot of heartfelt energy to everyone involved, classmates and teachers alike. Everyone has helped to shape and enhance my learning and evolving over the course of this year. So, again, thank you.

Communication Strategies

The most practice I get in all my communicative endeavors is with my parenting partner. He and I contrast a lot in our communication styles, abilities, and preferences. However, the most important and advantageous element we share is our desire to get better. Self-enhancement and stronger bonds remain our connecting denominator, and this has made all the difference.

I think NVC can play a great role in advancing and deepening our communicative connection. First of all, the statement “NVC begins by assuming that we are all compassionate by nature and that violent strategies- whether verbal or physical- are learned behaviors taught and supported by the prevailing culture.”(CNVC, n.d.) wraps up a lovely package of principles and goals. By remembering this statement, no matter what the situation is, I am able to instantly come from a place of compassion which both softens my responses and opens my heart to deeper listening.

I would also like to say that the "3 R's" can be utilized as an effective and core tool. No matter what the circumstances, if your priority is Respect, Reciprocity, and Response then you're already headed for a more peaceful and effective experience. This strategy is great for tempering any potential flare-ups. I believe just remembering that we have the same ultimate goals, as well as innate human needs and heart feelings, sets such a strong precedent for creating a communicative relationship that will survive, thrive, and inspire.

Evaluations!

I found it so utterly fascinating to see how other people experienced my communication style. It actually gave me a lot more confidence, which I didn't predict at all, but I am so grateful. People find me more inspiring and articulate than I thought. My sense of self, once again, is apparently skewed.

I have always felt so insecure and self-conscious. This has been difficult for many reasons, but one reason in particular is because I am, deep within my soul, a supremely strong, charismatic, and driven woman. This is at the core of who I am. I believe that outside forces and messages have soaked into my heart and being, and since I am so sensitive I have internalized a lot of the negativity and criticism throughout my childhood years in particular. It has been a snowball effect throughout my life. I have pushed back however, and have worked hard to reclaim my voice and soul. I have a lot to say and a lot to share with the world, but the one aspect of my humanity that always trips me up to this day is opening my mouth. I am so articulate when writing. I am so proud at the concepts and words and poetry that trickles from my mind, through my fingers, and onto the page. However, and deeply unfortunately, it never comes out as gracefully and heroically when verbalizing. Perhaps this is yet another reason I love acting so much. I have the script right there in front of me!

I do have a strong commitment to bettering myself. I am nurturing the parts of me that are strongest- listening and empathy- and trying to strengthen the part of me that is more challenging- verbalizing!