Motivations, Strategies, Resources, Leadership, and Advice

As a young girl growing up in the hood, I saw a lot of children that were lacking their basic needs. Although, we didn't have a whole lot, we managed to have our basic needs met. As I continued to grow from a child til an young adult I continued to see this lack of necessity, but now from a different point of view. It was now seen through the eyes of a young single un-wedded mother, me. I not only observed, but I experienced some of these issues of lacking myself. However, I soon found work and I was determined to provide a better life for my child. So I landed a job in the local daycare and I saw an even bigger need as children came to daycare unkempt and hungry. So this is why I wanted to advocate for young children, because children should not have to go without whether their parents can provide or not. 

I think that it is important to advocate at the micro level, because people in our communities and city as a whole need to be made aware of the issues that are affecting many children and families right next door to them. I feel that if we can begin work at home (our communities) then we can unite as a powerful force to bring others on board. At the macro level, it is important to advocate at this level, because in my opinion this is the level where we can make the biggest difference. At this level, laws and policies go into effect that can reach a great number of children and families and also at this level, laws and policies can go into effect all across the nation reaching even more children and families. 

To be a community leader on early childhood issues, I believe it takes someone that is knowledgeable about the field and one who is aware of the way children grow and develop. This individual must also be aware of the issues that are affecting the children, families, and early childhood professionals in his or her community. Understanding what the need is and where the need is is very important as they advocate for change. Advocates must be aware of the fight that they are fighting, meaning they are familiar with the community and have seen or experienced first hand some of the issues that are burdening families and/or the community as a whole. 

In order to be a state leader, I think that this individual will need resources at all levels. He or she will need to be connected to educators, parents, employment agencies, housing providers, medical professionals and so on. All these individuals will be needed in my opinion in order to make a lasting difference in resolving the early childhood issues. Children come to school in need and if we are to make the field a better place we need to heal the people by helping to address needs at the foundation of the family.

I use general conversation to engage others about the issues that I am concerned about. I begin with small talk all the while, building up for my big moment to transition the conversation to a new topic. 

Advice, I would give is to make sure you are well aware of the issues facing the field and the children and families that you are advocating for.