What is Self-Advocacy?
Self-Advocacy is learning how to speak up for yourself, making your own decisions about your own life, learning how to get information so that you can understand things that are of interest to you, finding out who will support you in your journey, knowing your rights and responsibilities, problem solving, listening and learning, reaching out to others when you need help and friendship, and learning about self-determination. Why is Self-Advocacy Important? Self-advocacy is important so that you have the knowledge needed to succeed and are given the chance to participate in decisions that are being made about your life. Self-advocacy helps you:
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The first step in being able to self-advocate is to know yourself and what you want. Having this self-awareness is important because it will help you be in control of yourself and better handle life's challenges. The following are ways to help you become more self-aware:
Know Your Values
It is important to know what you think about life, people, problems, and the world. This is a changing and life-long process but you can know your basic values and principles as an adolescent. What is important to you? What do you stand for? How do you feel people should treat each other?
- Think of an example of a value or belief you hold.
Talk/Write It Out
If you are not sure you understand your values, situations and emotions, it will be helpful to talk it out, or write in a journal, until you understand what exactly is happening and how you feel about it. Talk with a parent, mentor, friend, or other significant person. This can help you discover what you need and want.
"I" Statements
When you can finish the "I" Statement below, you are ready to figure out how to approach the situation or problem at hand. An "I" Statement is not accusing or demeaning. You are clearly speaking how you feel about the problem and what you need. It keeps communication positive and productive, an important aspect of effective communication.
I feel _______________
When you ______________
Because ______________
I want and need _____________
When you can finish the "I" Statement below, you are ready to figure out how to approach the situation or problem at hand. An "I" Statement is not accusing or demeaning. You are clearly speaking how you feel about the problem and what you need. It keeps communication positive and productive, an important aspect of effective communication.
I feel _______________
When you ______________
Because ______________
I want and need _____________
Look at All Sides of a Situation
Taking on another person's perspective is an excellent way to make sure what you want is best for you and the others involved. Put yourself in their place. How would you feel if you were them? How is this affecting them? When you think about what your friend, parent, boss or teacher is thinking about the situation, you will be able to empathize and figure out a win-win solution. - Think of the last argument or disagreement you had with someone and try to take their side in the situation. |
Managing Stress
When you are stressed, your brain and body cannot work properly. When you are not thinking clearly, you tend to make choices that have negative effects on you and others and keep you from being in control of yourself. What do you do to calm down? What activities or people help you handle your stress? Not all stress is bad. Knowing when good motivational stress turns into overwhelming stress is an important skill to learn. It will enable you to look for stress signs much quicker and put a stress reducing technique in place. |
If you are getting ready to advocate for something you need, think about the questions below. You can review your answers with someone you trust. Role-playing the scenario can also help you to figure out exactly what you want to say and how.
Questions to Ask Yourself: 1. What am I advocating for? What do I want? 2. Why is it important? 3. How should I make my request? 4. Who do I need to talk to? 5. Who else will this effect? 6. Is there a compromise or another option? 7. What should I do if my request is denied? * SAMHSA Guide, 2014 |
Asking for HelpYou need to ask a teacher for an extra tutoring session after school to help you prepare for the important test on Friday.
Walk through the Questions to Ask Yourself above and then go for it! Practice saying what you would say to your teacher. The other student(s) can act as the teacher and then you for them.
Make sure to provide constructive feedback at the end of your practice. |
Clean the GarageYour parents asked you and your sister to clean the garage. You can not agree on how to complete the job.
Walk through the Questions to Ask Yourself above and then go for it! Practice saying what you would say to your parents. The other student(s) can act as the parent and then you for them. Make sure to provide constructive feedback at the end of your practice. |
Extra WorkYour boss asks you to work on Saturday. You already planned on attending the school dance and have asked a date.
Walk through the Questions to Ask Yourself above and then go for it! Practice saying what you would say to your boss. The other student(s) can act as the boss and then you for them. Make sure to provide constructive feedback at the end of your practice. |
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