Profile of a Volunteer

There is a lady, I'll call Mrs. Doe,  at my church who volunteers her time to teaching catechism, reading at mass, and coordinating an entire bereavement committee. My church parish has many elderly families, and Mrs. Doe decided that something needed to be done for families upon the death of a loved one. Although family and friends usually prepare food for funerals, Mrs. Doe felt that this was one less thing that a family needed to worry about. She organized a committee consisting of groups of ladies that prepare food for families in our church parish for the day of the funeral. I am in one of the groups where I am in charge of a vegetable. Other ladies in my group are in charge of desserts, salads, etc. The church stepped in and now donates a ham to each family.

Mrs. Doe's work has directly impacted families in our church parish at difficult times in their lives. Although organizing this committee was not mandatory, she saw a need in families lives and acted on what she observed. She also called on others to give of themselves which is a rewarding experience.

What touches me most about Mrs. Doe's work is that she herself is an elderly person. Her work proved to me that you are never to old to start something new. She had a vision, and she went to our pastor and presented the idea to him. Not only did she advocate for an issue, but she also took it upon herself to coordinate the committee and do the work. I admire her for stepping up and not feeling as though her ideas were not valid. Her work has taught me that if I have an idea, I need to act on it.

So many times over the years, I have thought about a parenting education class within my church parish. Parents may be reluctant to attend a public class, but may feel more comfortable within their church community. As I type this profile of Mrs. Doe, I am beginning to think I may need to follow her lead, and talk to my pastor about this type of class.

Using Social Media to Get Connected

The first time I heard about Facebook was when my oldest son entered college in 2007.  The intent was for college students to stay connected or to make connections. Soon after he began complaining that "old" people were beginning to take over Facebook. Of course, now the rest is history. I never started a Facebook page out of respect for having 3 college students. I feel like I don't need to know everything my children are doing. They need to have their own lives. I consider myself pretty computer savvy but have never been interested in social media.

Recently I connected to LinkedIn. I am still trying to get comfortable with setting up profiles, etc. which my son has taken over. I thought maybe I could post some downloads from Children's Defense Fund but I do not think I can. If anyone knows how to do that please let me know. Those of you on LinkedIn, please be patient with me while I learn.

Facebook is such an effective tool to use in spreading messages. Unfortunately, some of the messages are negative, but there are also some very inspiring messages that others tell me they have read. I would like to start a Facebook page just for advocacy work. I think what makes social media so effective is that people do not feel pressured into something when they can read it on their own time. When someone confronts you face to face about working on a cause, you are put on the spot. Letting people read about early childhood issues, and presenting them with the problems and solutions, empowers people to come to their own conclusions.

One of the issues my children dislike about Facebook, is that people feel the need to comment too much on an issue. However, in advocacy work, this could work as a positive aspect. The more we can get people talking about early childhood issues, the more attention these issues are receiving.

I will take any suggestions from anyone about how to set up a Facebook page on early childhood advocacy issues, and any help you can give involving LinkedIn. Thanks!

Advocacy Messages

My job involves a lot of driving and so the radio is how I learn about the happenings in the world. At least twice a day I hear the ad for adoption. "You don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent". The ad goes on to say that there are many children who would love you and your faults. I think this ad is effective because it eliminates the fear that people have of adopting. Many adults may not feel worthy of adopting a child.  The ad is trying to promote adoption of young teens making the point that they need a parent, not a parent that is perfect. I also think the phrase is catchy because the ad is short but is played repeatedly throughout the day. People listening to radios in their cars or at work will hear the message a few times a day, everyday.

Another ad that I have found to be effective is a radio ad on stroke awareness. Two people are together and one of the people keeps saying "I'm having a stroke". However that person is not really saying anything. The other person makes observations such as you are not moving your arm, and your face looks weird. After every observation, you hear the phrase repeated "I'm having a stroke". I think the use of repetition is very effective while at the same time giving the listener examples of how people act when they are having a stroke. Because the ad is short and simple, the listener can remember the basic signs of a stroke.

Ads are very effective if the information is short, to the point, and includes a catchy phrase that people will remember and repeat throughout the day.