Motivations, Strategies, Resources, Leadership and Advice

QUESTION:  What motivated you to start advocating for very young children?

ANSWER:      It began approximately 7 years ago when I first started working in Early Head Start.  I saw the need for quality early childhood education for infants and toddlers.  I discovered, firsthand, the importance of the first six years of a child’s life.  Due to this fact, I believe that all children should be able to experience a high-quality early childhood education.  In order to achieve such, early childhood education must be affordable and must be high-quality.

QUESTION:  Why is it essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro level?

ANSWER:      It is essential because the related Microsystems have to be empowered in order to effectively persuade and influence related Macrosystems.  It is crucial for parents, early childhood teachers and administrators to share and tell their success stories, the challenges in the field of early childhood, as well as, sharing necessary solutions and recommendations in order to create a country where all children have access to and can receive affordable, high-quality early childhood education.  When parents, early childhood administrators/teachers and community organizations share their story it has a huge impact on national government policies, federal laws and legislation

QUESTION:  What does it take to be a community leader on early childhood issues?

ANSWER:      I believe it takes passion.  I believe it takes honesty.  I believe it takes realistic thought-processes.  I believe it takes a dedicated commitment to the cause no matter what happens.  I also believe that it takes being informed of what’s going on in the field of early childhood education as it relates to the particular area of interest (early childhood salaries, accessibility to child care, child care affordability, undocumented parents of young children, etc).  I  believe it is important to know pertinent and current research associated with your area of interest, in order to be able to back up your philosophy, beliefs and mission with research.

QUESTION:  What resources does it take to be a state leader on early childhood issues?

ANSWER:  I believe it takes the same as a community leader on early childhood issues.  I also believe that it also takes a determination to remain focused on one’s main cause for becoming a child advocate.  So many times, at the state government level, advocates can tend to “forget” what happens in the trenches.  I think the greatest challenge at this level is remaining grounded and not forgetting one’s true cause and purpose.

QUESTION:  What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize others?

ANSWER:      Informing audiences of the facts and of current research.  I also utilize personal stories and testimonies.  I like for individuals and groups to share their experiences.  This allows individuals to connect and become part of a possible support/peer group for a greater cause.  I also like to compile stories and research and present these to possible funders.

QUESTION:  What advice would you give to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families?

ANSWER:      Change does not happen overnight! It is important to understand the culture of children and families that you will be working with.  Above all, stay true to yourself and stay true to the children and families you are advocating for.