Advocacy
What is advocacy?
Using moral values, voicing support, concern, or positivity for myself and others
What is empathy?
Understand and share the feelings of others and act with kindness and sincerity.
What is optimism?
Express hopefulness and confidence about the future and strive for successful outcomes.
What is integrity?
Being honest, having strong moral principles, and holding others to the same standard; Doing what's right because it's right!
What is a community?
Expressing feelings of fellowship and share common attitudes, interests, goals, and values
Name a way you can advocate for your school or friends.
One example--
Speaking to a teacher about bullying. But not just "tattling" making sure your intention is to help and support, not just get someone in trouble!
Is this showing empathy? Why or why not?
Your friend is upset because they lost their favorite pencil, so you tell them not to be sad — it’s “just a pencil.”
This does not show empathy. In this example, you are not trying to understand your friend's point of view and are, instead, diminishing their feelings.
Why is optimism important in teamwork?
It helps everyone feel motivated to get the work done and sets a positive tone which makes the teamwork feel more fun!
Is this an example of integrity? Why or why not?
Your group forgot to finish part of the project, so you make up a fake story about why.
This is not an example. Making up a fake story is a lie--lying never gets you anywhere. In this situation, telling the truth could have resulted in some time to finish up to make your project something you are proud of...Also, faking things like this really shows (the effort just isn't there).
Why is it important to be involved in your community?
It creates a sense of belonging and support; helps build connections
Why is it important to advocate for others?
To help them get support or justice; helps show people that you care and helps form connections.
Why is empathy important in friendships?
It helps friends support each other and helps to show when disagreements may come up.
Give an example of how optimism can help you in the classroom and in your learning.
One example--
When something new comes in and feels hard, instead of just giving up, think to yourself, " I can do hard things!" and keep pushing through!
Describe a time when showing integrity was difficult but necessary.
One example--
You witnessed a friend cheating during a test. This is hard because you know it's not okay to cheat, but don't want your friend to get in trouble. In these types of situations, always think about the end goal--you want your friend to learn (Which is sometimes hard!), but cheating is not the way to show you have learned. Letting a teacher know could ultimately help your friend achieve the goal!
Is this showing community? Why or why not?
There’s a school clean-up day, and you only pick up trash around your desk.
Doesn't show community--you help by picking up trash, however it only seems to be helping yourself and not the whole community.
Is this an example of advocacy? Why or Why Not?
You see someone being teased and you tell your friend about it later at lunch
This is not an example. This feels more like spreading unkind information rather than doing something that could help someone feel supported in a positive way. instead of continuing to spread the negativity, you could let the other person know their actions are unkind or if it continues, let a trusted adult know.
How can you practice empathy every day?
By listening to others and trying to understand their feelings.
Is this an example of optimism? Why or why not?
Your team is losing the game and you sit out for the rest because “you've already tried all you can.”
This is not optimistic. This is giving up and feels pretty negative. Instead, you could take some deep breaths and get back out there! Also, if you lose...it's okay!
How can integrity affect your school experience?
It leads to a positive environment and shows that you can be trusted to do things which could result in more freedoms and responsibility.
Describe a project that could improve your community.
Starting a community garden, organizing a food drive, or coordinating a park clean-up
Is this an example of advocacy? Why or Why Not?
Your class votes on a project idea, and you keep your opinion to yourself even though you think there’s a better option.
This is not an example; you are not standing up for your own thoughts or opinions. You could advocate for yourself in a way that is respectful.
Is this showing empathy? Why or why not?
Your teammate is nervous before presenting, and you just say, “You’ll be fine.”
This is not an example. Instead of just passing off their feelings, you could offer to help them practice.
Is this an example of optimism? Why or why not?
You didn’t get picked for a part in the play, so you decide to try for a different role or help backstage.
This is an example! Instead of letting this make you upset or just quitting altogether, you simply adjust your plan and find another way to help support. Afterall, you are still included and will have a great time!
Is this an example of integrity? Why or why not?
You accidentally see the answer key for tomorrow’s quiz and turn it face-down or tell the teacher.
Yes! This is doing the right thing because it's right.
This just shows your teacher that you can be trusted and that's huge!
Does this show community? Why or Why not?
During a group project, you finish your part and then help your teammates.
Yes! You are helping to support your team mates which in turn helps everyone!