When you hear the word 'advocacy', what is the first thing that comes to your mind? For me, when I was asked to advocate on behalf of young children, I suddenly felt myself spiraling back in time to high school government class listening to the faint drone of a teacher straight from the halls Charlie Brown High (waa, waa, wwwaa, wwwa, wa). This was almost enough to make me stop in my tracks and run as fast as I could in the opposite direction. Thank goodness I stayed because I have made the most amazing discovery over the past couple of years working with the Great Start Parent Coalition (GSPC). Yes, I have learned that advocating can actually be fun!
So what is this thing called advocacy? It is a fancy word that simply means sharing your opinion--sharing what is important to you and why. Now, if you are like me, you are probably thinking, "no one cares about what I think, and they are certainly not going to take the time to listen." The wonderful thing that I have also discovered is that this could not be farther from the truth. The GSPC works with early childhood professionals from throughout the county and beyond who truly want to hear what parents are thinking, want to learn where parents are struggling, and want to mold and shape resources around these areas to make a difference in the lives of children. In fact, many professionals, especially our legislators, tend to hear from parents of young children only in times of extreme circumstances, leaving them with a perspective that probably does not match your reality. The good news is that we as parents have an opportunity to change that fact through dialog within the GSPC.
Now that you know a bit more about advocacy, you may be wondering, "do I have to stand up and give a speech?" Thank goodness the answer is "absolutely not." When our parents gather to share, it is more like a conversation among friends around a table than a formal meeting. GSPC parents have ongoing opportunities to meet people, make friends, and contribute to the development of themselves and this community.
The bottom line is that the GSPC wants to hear from you in whatever format you are comfortable, whether that be in person, on-line, over the phone, or in writing. Our hope is that this blog will provide parents just like you with another avenue to share your stories--your hopes, fears, struggles--and help inform the work of Great Start and its' members in the areas of child care & early education, family support, emotional/social health, parent leadership, or pediatric & family health.
So what are you waiting for? Join the conversation today! From our Child Care and Early Education Group, let us know what you think about the following:
What does quality child care mean to you? Do you feel you have access to it? If no, how would your life be different if you did have access to quality child care?
I look forward to 'advocating' with you and sharing any next steps that are made as a result of your responses.
Jeanette Lamphere, Parent Liaison
Great Start Parent Coalition
Great Start Parent Coalition
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