The ABCs of Advocacy (continued)

What you are communicating is only half the battle. How you communicate is equally important. Face-to-face communication is most effective because you can use active listening to clarify your point. The give-and-take in face-to-face communication lets you clarify misunderstandings and answer questions. You also can read those nonverbals; a person’s gestures and facial expressions may say more than his or her words! Your nonverbal communication can emphasize sincerity, knowledge about the subject, and even camaraderie. Simply maintaining eye contact establishes rapport.

Communication cannot be just a one-time occurrence. An effective communicator establishes a relationship with the individual or individuals. Don’t wait for a crisis to begin the discussion! If the decision-maker already knows you to be a knowledgeable and dependable resource, then he or she will listen more intently when problems arise. The more valid and reliable the communication, the more the audience will heed the message. (See the September 2006 PHP for the column “Effective Advocates: Communicate Effectively” for more ideas.)

The ABCs of Advocacy are formed by being Aware, learning the Basics, and knowing how to Communicate effectively. Most of us begin as advocates for our own children by starting with their classroom teachers and branching out within the school. Then, when our children graduate, we’re done. But, we shouldn’t be! Please don’t stop there. All children who are gifted and talented need you. Expand your advocacy efforts to the district, state, and then the nation. The goal is advocacy and appropriate educational opportunities for all children, including those who are gifted and talented. By knowing your ABCs of Advocacy, you’re well on your way to making a difference in the world!

Resources

Clark, B. (2008). Growing up gifted: Developing the potential of children at home and at school (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Colangelo, N., Assouline, S. G., & Gross, M. U. M. (2004). A nation decevied: How schools hold back America’s brightest students (Vol. 1). Iowa City, IA: The Connie Belin & Jacqueline N. Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development.

Committee on Prospering in the Global Economy of the 21st Century. (2007). Rising above the gathering storm: Energizing and employing America for a brighter economic future. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.

Roberts, J. L., & Inman, T. F. (2006, June). Effective advocates: Crafting your message. Parenting for High Potential, p. 24-25.

Roberts, J. L., & Inman, T. F. (2006, September). Effective advocates: Communicate effectively. Parenting for High Potential, p. 8-9.

Roberts, J. L., & Inman, T. F. (2007, September). Effective advocates: Always on the alert. Parenting for High Potential, p. 14-15.

National Association for Gifted Education: Advocacy Toolkit http://www.nagc.org/index.aspx?id=36

National Association for Gifted Education: Bill of Rights by President Del Siegle http://www.nagc.org/uploadedFiles/PHP/Bill%20of%20Rights.pdf