Advocating for a loved one is a powerful act of compassion and support that transcends the boundaries of familial or personal relationships. Whether it’s a family member, a close friend, or a partner facing challenges, advocating on their behalf involves navigating complex systems, communicating effectively, and championing their rights and well-being. Maxine Drake, a Perth advocate, delivered a presentation to our EndoWArriors support group members on this important topic. In this article, we’ll delve into the topic of advocating for a loved one.
What is advocacy?
Advocacy comes in many forms such as self-advocacy, formal advocacy, systemic advocacy, and standing up for others. However, the core concept of advocacy involves using privilege, intellect, and empathy to assist individuals in identifying their needs and taking action in moments of need. Advocacy involves standing beside someone, problem-solving, and utilising personal strengths to help others in moments of need.
Power dynamics in advocacy
In the realm of advocacy, it’s not just about tackling problems – it’s about propelling progress. It’s important to pinpoint obstacles to self-advocacy. These barriers may include rapid anger, emotional reflexes, self-doubt, indecision, conflict avoidance, and worries about external judgments. It is important to recognise power dynamics within advocacy interactions.
Humans by nature are conflict-averse or tend to avoid conflict. For example, endometriosis advocacy often involves challenging societal stigmas and promoting awareness about a condition that little is known about. This journey requires confronting discomfort, as many have been conditioned to avoid discussions about health challenges.
In healthcare settings, the acknowledgment of power dynamics becomes even more paramount, underscoring the often-uneven relationship between patients and healthcare providers. In this context, the introduction of an independent advocate takes centre stage as an independent overseer, offering an extra layer of accountability. This advocate becomes a steadfast companion, advocating for individuals and validating their rights throughout their journey. Being conflict-ready as advocates involves your ability to proactively address power imbalances for positive change. This approach means stepping in when necessary to reshape dynamics.
What does the third party do?
Maxine outlined the several attributes and actions of an independent third-party advocate, including emotional detachment, asking clarifying questions, taking notes, observing dynamics, providing reality checks, and fostering authenticity and honesty.
Finesse + escalation
Finesse, another concept introduced by Maxine, suggests starting with gentle actions and gradually escalating efforts to tackle challenges. This strategic approach acknowledges the subtleties of situations and allows advocates to adapt their actions accordingly. This is followed up by escalation which refers to cranking up the pressure. An advocate is there to be part of the escalation by providing support and witness during challenging situations.
The role of relationships in advocacy
Advocacy leads to reciprocity and the opportunity for individuals to stand beside one another. As a result, relationships are integral to advocacy, as they form the basis for understanding an individual’s needs, desires, and limitations. This is different to maintaining strict professional boundaries such as in formal support work scenarios where workers are cautioned against forming close relationships with clients. Maxine suggests that allowing a certain level of relationship is fundamental to understanding the individual’s journey and respecting their autonomy.
Empowerment and advocacy
Advocacy also revolves around instilling hope and empowerment in individuals. Advocates trade in hope, offering a positive outlook and collaborating to achieve shared goals. Optimism is also inherent in advocacy, which often involves challenging situations and working through setbacks.
The key takeaways for self-advocacy
Acknowledge emotions: Recognise and acknowledge your emotional state in a given situation, as understanding how you feel can aid in managing your responses and advocating effectively for yourself.
Seek assistance: Don’t hesitate to ask for help or support from others, whether it’s from a trusted friend, family member, or professional. Seeking assistance can provide you with additional perspectives and boost your confidence.
The key takeaways for advocating for others
Establish relationships: Build a solid rapport and relationship with the person you’re advocating for. A foundation of trust and understanding enables effective advocacy.
Rescue when necessary: Be prepared to intervene or “rescue” the person you’re advocating for if a situation becomes difficult or harmful. This can involve halting a meeting or redirecting the conversation.
Provide validation: Offer validation and reassurance to the individual you’re advocating for, especially in situations where their emotions might be overwhelming. Validating their feelings can empower them and strengthen your collective advocacy efforts.
You can watch the online event with Maxine Drake here