Advocacy is part of the job description for parents of kids with special needs. But how do we advocate effectively for our kids when we’re busy caring for them? How do we spread the news about the needs of our families?

Advocacy 101 Workshop

Earlier this summer, I attended an Advocacy 101 workshop at the National Foster Parent Association National Conference. The workshop presenter, David Sharp, encouraged parents to advocate right where they live. Though his audience was foster parents, the ideas he offered are good for all parents of kids with special needs.

Advocacy: 6 Ways to Be More Effective

Sharp gave several tips to increase the effectiveness of parent advocates who want to increase awareness amongst the general public. Here they are:

1. Be motivated. This is the most important thing. If you as a parent aren’t motivated, why would anyone else be?
2. Choose doable strategies that send the most effective message. Simple is better than complicated.
3. Be persistent! Keep at it. Advocacy takes time.
4. Join an organization of parents. You appear more credible when you’re speaking on behalf of other kids, too.
5. Send mail, fax, and email to spread your message. Urge recipients of the alert to send it to their networks, boards, staff, coalitions, volunteers, and media contacts.
6. Speak to community groups, statewide conferences, neighborhood associations, civic groups, service clubs. Raise awareness by telling everyone who will listen that you are the parent of a child with special needs.

Advocacy for Your Child: How Do You Do It?

How do you advocate for your child by raising awareness about kids with special needs? What advice would you offer to other parents who want to advocate? Leave a comment.

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