Topic Tuesday // Tools for Advocacy // Tues 19th October, 7:00-8:30PM AEST

[BPDSurvivor]

Makes a lot of sense @Former-Member ,

Knowing WHY makes all the difference. The more refined a goal is, the more achievable i guess. And also, it ensures everyone is on the same page for synergy.

[Anastasia]

I like that, thank you @Former-Member. My boys NDIS review is coming up and he wants to do most of the talking but wants me there - this is a huge step.

If it happens on the day only time will tell, but I like your advice and will definitely include it when we talk about the plan of "attack"

[cloudcore]

Question 4. What are some top tips for supporting someone else to advocate (aka individual advocacy)?

For the community, what has worked for you?

[Former-Member]

Communicating out story and our mindset is difficult @chibam 

I approach things from quite a narrative and storytelling perspective when I advocate. I might use metaphors and song lyrcs and things that people already relate to or understand to try and communicate the ways my brain works differently.

It definitley takes getting creative and some practice.

For what's worth, I think you have a wonderful communication style. 

[Shaz51]

So with understanding,  compassion,  @Daisydreamer , @Former-Member , @cloudcore 

What is the next steps to take 

[Daisydreamer]

Question 4. What are some top tips for supporting someone else to advocate (aka individual advocacy)?

There may be times where we are advocating alongside others. That might be as a friend, family or carer, or in paid role.

When advocating alongside someone, the most empowering action is one where we support the person to advocate for themselves.

If that’s not possible, then we can help to ensure advocacy reflects the needs and goals of the person we are advocating for.

The term individual advocacy can be confusing, because it sounds like one person advocating. What it really means is advocating with, alongside or on behalf of someone else.

Fun fact! Advocacy derives from the latin word ‘advocare’ which means ‘to be called to stand beside’. This is the role of individual advocacy.

[BPDSurvivor]

@chibam , my entire recovery was without family and friends because it was something I needed to do on my own. It was difficult, but I'm not sure I could have done it WITH the support of family/friends in the beginning.

However, after being more steady, I definitely began to reach out to people. Support makes a lot of difference. Especially someone who is supporting you out of the kindness of their heart.

[Daisydreamer]

Question 4. What are some top tips for supporting someone else to advocate (aka individual advocacy)?

Top tips for individual advocacy:

1. Talk to the person you are supporting about their goals: If you are going to advocate alongside someone, it’s important that you represent them and their goals, or support them to do so.

2. Explore the barriers to self advocacy: There can be a lot of barriers for someone in advocating for themselves. You can help to break those down and be an ally. One common barrier is stigma (both self stigma and social stigma)

3. Ask permission: Before advocating on someone else’s behalf, make sure to get their permission first. Your goal is to facilitate their wishes and self-determination, and choice/consent is a must

4. Practice:  Self advocacy can feel daunting at first, and it can be helpful to be a person to practice with before someone advocates for themselves

5. Make a plan if you are attending an appointment as a support person: Make a plan with the person you are advocating with if you are brought in as a support person. Most importantly, clarify your role. Ask what they need from you? Is there a sign they can provide when they might need your help to communicate their wishes?

6. Be mindful: It can be natural for us to want to step in and support another, especially loved ones, or add our own thoughts to the discussion. I’ve been there before too!
   
   Being mindful of ourselves and ensuring that we are aware of our own biases or needs can help ensure moments of advocacy reflect the person’s needs we are advocating beside and not our own.
   
   

[Daisydreamer]

Hi @Shaz51, I just want to clarify to make sure that we can answer your question fully. Did "What is the next steps to take" refer to supporting a partner? 🙂

[BPDSurvivor]

That's great @Daisydreamer ,

By following those steps, it empowers the person rather than 'taking over'.

Makes so much sense to empower the individual.