The Advocate in each and everyone of us!

By: C.A.K.

Until recently I'd never thought of myself as an advocate. I suppose I never thought about what an advocate truly is.  So lets talk about it.

What is an advocate?

The definition as seen on, http://www.thefreedictionary.com/advocate

"ad·vo·cate  (dv-kt)

tr.v. ad·vo·cat·ed, ad·vo·cat·ing, ad·vo·cates

To speak, plead, or argue in favor of. See Synonyms at support.

n. (-kt, -kt)

1. One that argues for a cause; a supporter or defender: an advocate of civil rights.

2. One that pleads in another's behalf; an intercessor: advocates for abused children and spouses.

3. A lawyer."

I think based on this definition there is an advocate in all of us.   Some of us are advocates for our child, like myself.  I'm not a quiet sit back and let people figure it out on their own type of person.  I talk about Autism.  I want people to know about it, I want them to understand it.  I can be downright loud about it.  With my pushing our school now has a sensory room, among other things, in a central location for any child in need.  Something that my son uses daily.

Some people are advocates for a specific health issue, trying to get more information out to the community or to raise funds.  You see this in fundraisers, walks, 5K runs, awareness months/days, etc ..  This helps not only those who are currently diagnosed with whatever the cause is, but the knowledge may help a person who is suffering find help.  Or new studies may happen.  I personally have donated to many such causes to help support those I know and love.  Even $10 or sharing an event on Facebook can raise awareness.

There are also those who are advocates to diminish hatred.  Those of different ethnic backgrounds, or of a different sexuality than what people consider to be the norm.  I wish I could give a hug to all those who are dealing with hatred in this world and make it go away, but we are still a long way from acceptance for all.   It gives me hope knowing that everyday there are new people that wake up and realize that their hatred is not only causing pain to those they gear it towards, but also themselves.

I felt the need to point out that we are all advocates for so many different things in this life.  Autism can cause so many different struggles for not only the person diagnosed, but for anyone who may be in contact on a daily basis..

Advocacy can start with you! Lets make the world a better place for all of us.  I am an advocate for my son at school and in the community trying to help him get his needs met.  I am an advocate out in public when people make comments or look confused by what they are seeing.  I walk for autism and raise funds that help those in my direct area and beyond, through the The Tommy Foundation.

Think outside the box, everyday there is a chance to raise awareness and be an advocate to help those in the community around us and beyond.  This has been an especially difficult year for my family, but I finally feel like things have come together in ways I could have never imagined.

One last thought, passed to me through a beloved family member.  Anger must be controlled.  Showing anger feeds those who oppose us, or even worse yet can shut people down and make them stop listening.  We want people to hear what we have to say.  I know that sometimes things can get heated, I've been there and I've had people make a judgment call that I was no longer worth listening to.  Sometimes we need to step back for just a moment in time to see the whole picture. Read the person we are trying to teach as to how best approach them,maybe they have hurt also.  And sometimes we just need to walk away from some  who are just not ready at this time.  Sometimes we need to accept that we can't always agree.

And if you are a person filled with hatred I ask you this.  Is it really fulfilling a need in your life to hold on to that?   Are you willing today to try and find your true self and be open to accepting or learning about something new?  How about sharing a cause you never have before?

Now I ask you!    

What cause are you trying to teach the world about?  

Comment below with your cause, keep it kind and clean, please!