module 3b

• Based on the five stands of policymakers, who do you believe would be the best targets for any advocacy effort and/or for lobbying campaigns, and why?

Of course I would say the champions.  They are the ones that are already on my side and that's the side I want them on, for example 1st lady Michelle Obama would be a easy sale for obesity in children campaign because she has already proven that she is a champion for this cause.

• Who would you not want to target?

I would not want to target anybody that supports o food company or a hard core opponent because these would be the hardest to persuade. 

• In what ways does this information affect your thinking with regard to your Advocacy Action Plan key audiences and messages?

I has made me look at the stand or position the people who I was targeting.  It made me check out their past votes for example if I was going to ask a congressman or alderman.

These are my opinions what do you think. 

                                        The five advocacy stands of policy makers are:

Champion Policy make who is already on your side

Allies   This policy maker is generally on your side

Fence  Sitters This policy maker can go either way

Mellow opponents  These policy makers will work against you

Hard-core Opponents These policy makers are your leading the way against you.

Module 4

Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.

John F. Kennedy (1917-1963)

What inspires and excites me most about advocacy is seeing something getting done and being a part of it.  There is nothing greater than seeing a problem, solving it and seeing the positive affects of the outcome.  

One challenge that I have faced is being able to find like minded people or at least people that don't mind doing something different even if it is different.

One thing that I hope helps me is to keep doing it so I can become better and not take the no's so personal.

one way to over come is not to take it personally and know that it's not about me but about the children and their not saying no to me but there saying no to the children who I represent.

One way to encourage others is to always see a positive in a negative situation.  I know it can't always happen but pick and chose the things that you report back to others because they may see it as defeat when it's just the delayed and not denied. 

 

Module 3 discussion

Consider the following scenario (from p. 136 of your Kieff text):

You believe that your second-grade students need more independent center time than is currently offered at your school. You know you have three distinct groups of individuals you need to first educate and then persuade regarding the need for independent center time; the other second-grade teachers, the parents, and the administrator.

• How you would develop educational materials to target each of these diverse groups?

I would take into consideration the different types of learners in my class.  I would create more independent time based on their needs and their independence for example, if I have some children that are mature, reliable and trust worthy they would be allowed to play by themselves with low to no supervision.  If I had students that needed more help and who were not as independent then AI would schedule myself to participate.  Individualizing is the key in any classroom. 

• What strategies would you use to persuade each group to allow more time for center activities?

For the teachers I hope it would not be hard to do what's right or in the best interest of the child.  I would hope that the easiest and the most willing to see what is in the best interest should be the teacher but if the need to informed I would appeal to them on the educational strategies.  I would use fact sheets that shows the positive impact that more independent center is better for children.
For parents and administrators I would use the persuasive strategies.  I not only allow them to see the benefits but I would also allow them to know the impact of change would make a difference in the life of the child in the long run when they are catered to.

What do you think???

Module 2 edu 412

One of the most simple but true quote I have ever heard is: If I see it it's mine. if I put it down it's still mine. if you have I will come get it because it's mine.
This quote is about the mentality of a 2 year old.  It seems very simple but if you think about and follow what has been said then 2 year old teachers will not be as stressed because they already know how or what is about to happen in the course of a day.  I have seen a teacher get angry with a 2year old but if your stop look and listen to them and remember this quote your day will come into perspective.
What do you think??

I am most excited about giving people information because I believe information is power to all those that receive it willingly.  
What do you think??

I have no problem speaking in front of people but what I do have anxiety about is am I conveying a message that wants to be heard and can i impact a life like I have been when I receive information about something.   One thing that I will do is start to speak to young adult because they are very honest and their attention span is short and it take a lot to keep them interested and that's how I am going to challenge myself and get over my challenge.