Advice on advocacy from an over experienced advocate- A true advocate, missionary, who is truly intent on raising awareness, does so in a respectful and non judgemental way (unless there is danger or suffering). A true advocate doesnt preach in their own forum or congregation where everyone shares similar values while bashing those that dont. An advocate will kindly and respectfully be listened to if they take time and energy first, to ask all the questions to see exactly where change is needed, to know the difference between excessive issues and minor ones. Bullying, shaming, make their entire mission look crazy. True advocates strive to listen and retain real info of situations. They process past events that they have knowledge of that may or may not be related. They choose the battles that will make the most difference in their mission. Im really at a loss this week at hearing about how some advocates bully, bash, and make enemies of those theyll claim they tried to educate. Sometimes we fail either way. Sometimes its best to direct our attn and efforts on great numbers where most difference will be made. But, nobody ever listens to extremists who start out attacking and assuming. Please keep this in mind when youre out there claiming to do outreach. If you make yourself the enemy, nothing is accomplished. You and your efforts will surely fail. Its unfortunate, but I did feel that I had to take time out of my busy life to type this out. Im amazed that it needed to be said at all.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 16:46:59 +0000
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