How to Advocate for Anything (including your students)

--Define the problem clearly: reduce big general problems to smaller specific problems

--Do your homework 

            Find resources

            Learn about the policies, procedures, organization, and complaint process

            Learn about the laws

            Seek out an ally within the system

            Ask lots of questions

            Brainstorm realistic solutions

            Know what you want to achieve

            Make sure your side agrees on the goal and possible solutions

Think about the “other side’s” situation

--Starting at the bottom level, request a meeting

Know who will attend every meeting. Document everything           

Bring more questions than answers

Know who has the power to implement a decision

Focus on the symptoms, not the diagnosis. (Don’t use the “b” word)

Seek consensus on the problem, but don’t get sidetracked

Seek consensus on the solution

Be polite but very persistent.  Follow up faithfully.

Know when to give up and don’t beat yourself up if you lose

--Close the deal:  Before you leave:

            Know what will be done, who will do it and when

            Send a letter describing the agreement and thanking participants

            Check back to ask how the agreement is going

            If you are happy with the outcome, send a thank-you note

--Don’t give up if you lose.  Look for another solution

--Work with others at EVERY level; reach out and network

--Be careful about taking advice

Be sure the source knows what they are talking about.  Trust your own competence, judgement, and instincts

--Don’t expect to be perfect.  Do it anyway

Communication is essential, DON’T HESITATE TO ADVOCATE