Wednesday 25 January 2017

ADVOCATE WITH EMPATHY: A Chat About How It Works

Yesterday, my caregiving colleagues Al Etmanski and Vickie Cammack hosted me in a fascinating chat about advocating with empathy. Have a listen to our discussion and let me know what you think. Have you been successful in advocating with empathy? What kinds of advocacy have worked for you as a caregiver?


As is often the case, I've been thinking about this conversation since we went live online yesterday. I've been mulling over the idea of advocating with LOVE. What I meant by that phrase is that we love the people we are caring for. When we advocate for them, we can either interpret that love as a weakness or as a strength. I believe it is a significant strength. And I've been thinking that the other pillar of successful advocacy is fearless imagination. Brainstorming bold, creative solutions to problems is key, too.

Because we are dependent on programs and services to help us, sometimes we forget to put aside relevant policy regulations when we advocate. All rules can be broken, especially when it suits the interests of all concerned. I believe that advocating with love, empathy and fearless imagination is what it takes to be successful. And these are all starting points for shared inspiration that everyone can relate to. We are all human, after all.

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