Nothing is going to get better. It's not.”
― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
My advocacy plan has changed since I posted on this plan, so let me fill you in. I was really struggling with it, even in my last post you can see it. It just felt too big and was scary. I kept thinking about how to strip it down, what would be the advocacy that would lead to this advocacy. I thought about how in world did I even have all this information in head. And it hit me. I learned all about Chicago Public Schools and daycares from being in them! Once my children started going to daycare I sat in the classrooms, eventuallly volunteering and even working there. I was in school for teaching and changed my major to Early Childhood Education. I even learned about Kendall from those teachers. That is when I understood where my advovacy had to be, it had to be with parent volunteers.
The thing that excites me most is getting parents involved with their children. I often encourage my friends to go to their children's classrooms. When they call and complain about their schools, I always ask if they have been in the classroom. I just really believe it makes a big difference. I see how proud my own kids are when they see me in their school. I also see form the other end how beneficial it is for the the teachers.
One of my worries is not being able to get parents to the school. I also worry about personality clashes among teachers and parents. I am also worried about not getting others on board with my advocacy. I get nervous and shy about talking to others, and I do think this can hold me back. To get over this I just have to do it. It is nerve wreaking, but I have given myself a timeline, and I am sticking to it. I make all types of list and I look at them to be inspired and to keep myself on track. I also have talked to those I am comfortable with, and it really helps me get my head together.
To encourage others I will be a listening ear, and offer suggestions on how to carry things out. I can also offer them any resources I may have. I would love to have the same in return. Sometimes I just need a soundboard, a written plan, a set of goals and a schedule. This has helped me a great deal so far.
