Consider Becoming an Advocateby Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger 08 Nov 2007 12:56 PM I used to get really turned off by the word "advocate"-I think I felt like it was really putting myself on the line if I took up a cause and decided to become an advocate. But, as a single parent, I have found that I feel so strongly about the struggles and joys of single parent families that I feel compelled to advocate for us! I want to invite other single parents (and their friends) to become supporters and believers in the single parent family scene... Perhaps it sounds a bit hokey or like I'm some sort of kook to be waving a flag and being a cheerleader for single parent families, but there are many ways that we can get involved and advocate for children and families regardless. There are various organizations that support single parent families and you might even consider starting your own support group. I also find myself advocating for the single parent voice in other situations-at parent meetings, planning committees, and I even let my single parent status influence how I vote or the community activities I get involved in. The more we mix and mingle and share our family story, and the more people see how fabulous our families are-the more we can help get rid of the stigma and social stereotypes that still exist. I think it also makes our children more confident and secure when they see that we are advocating for our selves, for them, and for families. Instead of hiding out in our homes, or isolating and feeling like we can't or won't be included because we're a single parent-or sticking only with other single parent families-we can get involved with the community, the neighborhood, and the world at large and advocate for children and families-regardless of their structure and circumstance. Also: Think of Yourself as a Pioneer Starting a Single Parent Support Group Finding Single Parent Family-Friendly Service Providers Learn more about Kori Rodley Irons  Bio has been removed by administrator Relevantsingle parenting tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags advocate, role model Discuss this article
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