Wellness Works: February Focus is Self Advocacy
February 6, 2023
Guelph, ON — This month at UGDSB we are focusing on the theme of self advocacy. The practice of self advocacy is learning how to communicate your strengths, needs, interests and goals to others. It includes being able to self identify in what areas support would be beneficial.
Self advocacy involves:
- Speaking up for yourself
- Knowing where to find information you need
- Knowing your rights and responsibilities
- Finding people who support you and reaching out when you need help
- Solving problems
- And more!
Different factors can impact someone’s ability to self-advocate, including aspects of their identity and their previous lived experiences. It can also be impacted by how spaces and people are working to include and celebrate the diverse identities that exist. For some, advocacy happens through another person.
If this is a conversation you are able to have with your child, these are important considerations to include. For parents/caregivers this month, here are some prompts that you might use as conversation starters with your child or for your own reflection as an advocate:
- How do you know when things are not going well for you? How could someone else tell if things are not going well for you?
- What can you do to help yourself when things aren’t going well?
- Who can you go to (at home, at school, etc.) when you need a little extra help or support?
- What strengths do you have that can support you when you are experiencing challenges?
- What things make it easier or harder for you to talk about yourself and your potential needs?
- What might impact another’s ability to communicate their needs and why is that important to keep in mind?
Other ideas:
- Brainstorm a list together of coping strategies. Write them down or put them on little cards/pieces of paper in a easy to find space so you can always have a “toolbox” close by
- Make a list of your “go to” people. Consider who they are at home? At school? Other places?
- Ask your child to think of something they have done that they are proud of. Work with them to identify how that event demonstrated some of their skills and strengths
From Your Wellness Works Team at UGDSB
Categories: Board News for Elementary • Board News for Secondary • News Tags: Mental Health • Wellness Works