Member Login
Connection du membre
I’ve Got Your Back – Role of Advocacy

Author:  Rhonda Latreille, MBA, CPCA
Founder & CEO
Age-Friendly Business®

It was in the news again – the heart-breaking story of vulnerable loved ones receiving neglectful and sub-standard care. Frightened and angry family and friends came together to reveal problems and demand change.
 
Perhaps a related story has happened within your family or circle of friends. 
Perhaps you found yourself speaking on behalf of someone else.

It is called Advocacy.

Although there are a variety of definitions of the term ‘advocacy,’ we can recognize common themes of taking action for a particular cause or policy on behalf of someone else.

Advocacy is necessary at both systems (regional, provincial/state, federal) and individual/family levels.
 
WHY?
Increasingly, our systems, especially our health and social services, have become inordinately complex.
Under-resourcing leads to ‘rationing’ of services, and staff reductions can create increased risk of error.  As resources decrease, the quality of communication tends to deteriorate, resulting in too many gaps open to misinterpretation.
 
HOW?
The process of Advocacy includes 3 main elements:
Communication
Follow-up
Action
 
1. Let’s First Look at How to Communicate:

• Clearly – state what you want to happen
• Accurately – get the facts straight and avoid editorializing
• Concisely – present the case — lengthy dissertations are not read/listened to – use point form!
• Persuasively – keep argument sound, logical, objective and respectful

2. A Critical Second Step is Follow-up:

• Within reasonable time — sooner rather than later, and don’t lose your momentum
• Convey – when a response is expected
• Persist – confirm that stalling, ignoring is unacceptable
 
3. Finally, Take Action — Nothing Happens Until Something Moves:
 
• Consider all available options based on input and feed-back
• Assess ‘costs’ of each option
• Formulate an action plan – include timing, responsibilities, resources
• Enlist help – numbers = strength
 
WHO?
Effective advocates are everyday people.  They have become good communicators, and recognize that a key component of communication is listening. 
  
Seek First to Understand – Then Be Understood! 
One of the obstacles to understanding is our fear that if we understand the other person’s position, that means that we must also agree with the other position. 
NOT SO.
Understanding does not mean that you agree, it only means that you took the time and offered the respect to fully comprehend what the other was saying.  When you offer that first, you may be surprised what you can learn while you likely gain their reciprocal willingness to give the gift back to you.
 
Effective advocates observe what is happening in the situation, and are able to organize their thoughts and recommendations.

Ultimately, good advocates demonstrate the qualities of empathy, compassion, persistence, and courage.
IF NOT YOU – THEN WHO?
Many can feel overwhelmed by the prospect of advocacy, and assume that they are not ready or able.  That is probably NOT the case.  Advocacy does not have to involve big issues with world-wide impact.

If you see an injustice – speak up. 
Envision a better process – share it.
Clear a roadblock to move a process to the next step.  Be that voice for someone else. 

All it takes is a clear intention to make something better, a willingness to articulate the problem, a commitment to seek solutions in a firm and respectful way, and persistence to see it through to resolution.

Rhonda Latreille, MBA, CPCA
Founder & CEO
Age-Friendly Business®
 

The Happiness Trifecta

The Happiness Trifecta – serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin.  We know that when we help someone, it just feels good!  That is because we are social beings, and the act of being helpful releases oxytocin, which elevates our mood and increases serotonin and dopamine.  It doesn’t end there!  Dopamine is related to motivation and arousal, and serotonin contributes to good memory, learning, sleep, digestion and appetite.  So, next time you need a boost – try a random act of kindness, or even simply offer a smile!  Source:  Psychology Today, The Neuroscience of Giving, 2014
 
 

The Voice of One

“When the world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”

Malala Yousafzai (Pakistani activist for female education)

You may also like…

No Longer Here – But Never Forgotten

by | May 1, 2023 |

No Longer Here – But Never Forgotten A remarkable and cherished woman passed away a few months ago.  She was a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, mentor, role model, businesswoman, and confidante.  Her name was June, and she was my sister-in-law.  I was blessed...

Building a Legacy That Goes Beyond Material Wealth

by | Apr 1, 2023 |

Building a Legacy That Goes Beyond Material Wealth Have you ever wondered what lasting legacy you will leave behind for future generations? While accumulating material wealth can be significant, passing on values and characteristics that will stand the test of time is...

Light – Circadian Rhythms – Health and Well Being

by | Nov 2, 2022 |

Did you know that your tissues and organs have their own biological clocks?  Even more compelling is the fact that these clocks are coordinated and synchronized! The conductor of this grand synchronization is a ‘master clock’ residing in nerve cells in a part of the...

Sleep Better to Live Longer

by | Nov 1, 2022 |

It has long been accepted that we need good nutrition and regular exercise to contribute toward our health and longevity. Did you know that quality sleep was just as important? We always think about sleep as being restive – and this is true. However, there exists...

Cognitive Reserve – Can We Beat Biology?

by | Sep 12, 2022 |

We know we are living longer — but are we living better?  Most would agree that it is not just about adding more years to our life story, it is about making sure those years enriching and rewarding. Too often, though, we know of friends and family who struggle...

Intergenerational Learning : What Is Old Is New Again

by | Sep 12, 2022 |

Imagine young and old coming together to experience, learn, and share. Innovative new programming, or a dusting off of the way it used to be? With our aging population, we see emerging examples of intergenerational programs being offered on many continents. Although...

Power of Older Workers Part 2

by | May 2, 2022 |

The previous Maturity Matters Newsletter alerted us to the exodus of a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce leaving many organizations.  More than half of their management teams and employees are positioned to leave as Baby Boomers are preparing for...

Power of Older Workers – Part 1

by | May 1, 2022 |

In praise of wine, cheese, and older workers – why we need to woo, engage and retain maturing employees. The majority of maturing workers are there because they want to be, and increasing numbers need to be there.  They are reliable, loyal, mature, professional...

Tax Time Scams – Time for a Review and Update

by | Apr 7, 2022 |

The phone rings. You pick it up and the caller identifies himself as being from the government, contacting you on a problem with your taxes. Your heart races. You begin to wonder what could possibly be wrong? You picture investigations, fines, and trouble!...

National Advance Care Planning Day is April 16th

by | Apr 1, 2022 |

Keeping Our Voice – Part 2 – Advance Care Planning Life Happens….Be Ready.  This compelling theme underscores the significance of our National Advance Care Planning Day held annually on April 16. When we cannot speak for ourselves – who will speak for us, and what do...

0 Comments