Effective Advocacy
Attitude: Positive, persistent, prepared – think out strategies before the meeting.
Flexible: Know WHAT you really need – be flexible on HOW it is done.
Fair: You are in this for the long haul – listen as well as talk! Look for “win-win” solutions.
Organized: Do your homework, know what you after, “build a case”, keep good files and logs. We track our investments – your child is your most important one.
Informed: Know what you are talking about, your rights and the legislation – learn the systems protocols and jargon.
Published: Send letters, “thank you” notes, meeting notes, reflective letters.
Problem – solver: We are all responsible for solving the problem – not just the school.
Advocating for Success
- Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
- Know what your are asking for…. What is essential, what is negotiable and what is doable
- Be evidential, not emotional
- Be the adult, the professional
- Know when to say “call it a day….”
- Rehearse away your emotions…. Know your limits
- Learn to use your “team” ….develop a strategy, have cues and roles
- Anticipate (the Heinz Rule) and counter
- Do a dry run….”role play”
- Control the environment – location, seating, materials, documentation, “feel/tone”
The 4P Rule: “Prior Planning Prevents Problems”
Positive persistence is more important that popularity.
Permission to reprint granted by Lindsay Moir, Comhnadh Consulting http://www3.sympatico.ca/l.moir/