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It is quite important for us to push for change as it affects billions of people. Even today, we still struggle on being able to provide free or even affordable education in private and public schools for lower-income families and even those in the lower middle class families. There is still little access when it comes to this area when basically it is part of every human's rights. Everyone has the right to quality education, but how can that be met when we don't have enough budget to put up decent schools in areas that are quite out of reach, train teachers effectively and even give school staff better compensation for their dedication and hard work? Despite this, I am still hopeful that we can step up when it comes to our education system as I find that we are still lacking and quite behind. As long as things remain the same, I will also remain as an advocate for a change in our system so a lot of children and even young adults can achieve their goals and dreams of having a better future.

-Mia Arevalo

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One of the lines that struck me most in the video was when the narration said "there will be ups and downs Johnny. We'll have to stay motivated...But we really can make a difference".

Being involved in a personal advocacy myself, I completely understand the work and the challenges that come with seeing an advocacy through. It entails a lot of planning and organizing; communication, risk taking, and pondering of ways to best get your message across and actually benefit those who you are advocating for. The reality of trying to look for adequate support, funding, and resources is a big, and oftentimes harrowing hurdle, in the process of implementing an advocacy plan. No doubt, many sacrifices are done along the way.

Despite all that though, the joy and sense of fulfillment that I personally feel when we get to successfully accomplish what we've set out to do is beyond words. Knowing that I've somehow made a difference in the lives of others, or in my case the lives of the Filipino youth, is enough motivation to keep me going, especially during tough times.

This is the reason why it's very important to keep in mind and heart your WHY.

Why are you doing this advocacy? Why did you start it in the first place?

Going back to your WHY will keep your advocacy sails moving; even in rough waters.

Advocacy work is indeed a challenging adventure, but it is something worth doing as long as you truly believe in it.

- Trish DJ

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Access to Education Despite the Challenges

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Access to Education Despite the Challenges

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Several takeaways can be learned from watching "The Power of Advocacy" video clip which revolves around advocating for universal access to education. . *Every child has the right to education.
"In an ideal world, every child should have the means to go to a classroom and have access to books and learning materials that can enrich their intelligence and skills."

Even with our current extraordinary times, education must not be hindered or denied.  Recent arguments that education continuity is hard to be achieved due to unfamiliarity of most with remote online learning, it has been done by most private schools, what about the public school set-up? Pre-pandemic, it has been a long argument whether the Philippine public system is still able to keep the quality nor extend its services up to the far-flung, poverty-stricken areas of our country.  Awarded with the highest portion of our National Budget, this should be a priority, to ensure all kids are able to study and have access to learn.

As a private school admin,  I am hopeful that the government subsidy for education will be extended to K-6 learners so more underprivileged learners can be accommodated by the private schools to support the public school system as well. The E-GASTPE law has been approved by the Senate expanding the ESC to private Kinder and Elem Schools, here's hoping it will be enacted so we can push harder in our quest to provide universal access to education for all.

-Joyce Urrutia

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The video talks about how an advocate was able to help the speaker be able to reach her current position.  The speaker is encouraging everyone to find an advocate and be an advocate.  I agree with what she said.  We all need a coach who believes in us and someone who will motivate us to better.  A lot has been said about the negative impact of social media in our mental health even affecting children.  Although this might be true, I believe that social media can also help us in term of helping us with our mental help, we can listen to life coaches whose advocacy is mental health, we can be part of community of life learners whose aim to to be a better.  The speaker also said that we should all be advocates and we are capable of being an advocate.  This is true, some say that advocates are rebels whose aim is to rally and be against the government.  In my opinion advocates are change makers and someone who believes that everything can be better if we will act on it.

-Cecil J.

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When I was in college, one of the prayers I came across with was called "Disturb Us Oh Lord". Some say this is made by adventurer, Sir Francis Drake. It speaks about not settling with how life is and daring to be more. Joining in the social action office of my college, we would pray this prayer every so often. We would encounter individuals and organizations advocating for change, for better education, for equal rights, for a better environment. I think advocates start with being disturbed with injustices and lack of equity, and then doing something about being disturbed. When I graduated and eventually became a program officer for the social action office myself, it was not my task to stir in students this "disturbance" and help move them to advocate for themselves and others. Living comfortable lives might give us blinders from what others are experiencing, so it was essential to teach children from affluent families to be aware of the plight of other people. We offered service learning activities that helped open their eyes to the realities of the world. It was our hope that even if these service learning activities were done, that our students would continue advocating for others, to be the voices of those who do not have any, to use their influence to make the world a better place, to not stay comfortable, to have empathy, to be advocates of change.

Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when
with the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wilder seas
Where storms will show Your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask you to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push back the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

This we ask in the name of our Captain,
Who is Jesus Christ.

Amen!

- Karen Chacon

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The video has made me appreciate doing advocacy work more. It also made me realize that there is much more organizational work involved when doing advocacy work but regardless of the challenges, doing it brings about a lot of changes and improvement in the lives of the vulnerable. It is a known fact that children’s rights are often violated at all levels. With the issue it presented, I can only imagine the kind of lives the poor and displaced children live especially those who are caught up in a war or armed conflict. My heart bleeds for the children whose lives were destroyed when the conflict between Israel and Palestinians escalated. Not only did this incident exposed them at an early age to violence, it has also disrupted their lives, including their education. Moreover, this pandemic has pushed more families down to poverty and this has greatly impacted the children’s nutrition, well-being and most importantly, their learning. Given that, it is very important to help them fight and claim for their rights. And it all takes just one voice to speak up and challenge the injustices they experience. It is also important to influence others to help campaign for this change by making them aware of the situation and to strengthen the capacity of the government and other duty bearers to fulfill their obligations in making policy decisions and legislations that will make this happen.

- Karen F.

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In today's situation, many people are suffering especially the children brought by the pandemic. Lack of proper education and funds to provide the learning that is needed by each and every individual. Children who are underprivileged suffers the most. A good example was Catriona Gary's advocacy. She uses her power and be that voice for her fellow Filipino who are lack of support in their education. Highlights were providing of free education for underprivileged Filipino Children, and giving the support for children who deserves  a bright future.

The Power of Advocacy to education gives inspiration, motivation, and encouragement to speak up for what is important and can change one's life. As poverty remains a main barrier to everyone, we cannot not lose hope, as someone can help and reach us out by speaking up and advocating to what really matters and necessary.

- Dwen

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In John 14:16-17. Jesus Christ himself tells us: We have an Advocate. Not just any Advocate, THE ADVOCATE – The Holy Spirit, God himself.

The scripture gave me the image of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is my defense attorney. He is present with me when I must profess the truth, defend it and justify it. He speaks my words. He then inspires me, and together through me, we bear witness to Christ and his Gospel. The Holy Spirit becomes the invisible advocate by the fact that he acts as my counselor, defender, and supporter.

Last year, countless people have faced serious challenges to their mental health, emotional and physical well-being along with the health impacts of the disease compacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and more than millions of children, adolescents, and youth are out of school around the world. It is one of the most threatening challenges this world has to withstand in our lifetime. It is primarily severe health, humanitarian crisis, and socio-economic effect.

It is utterly amazing to think that I could be the conduit through which God’s power might be felt in the world.  We testify to God’s power the advocate he has given us, moving through us, when we support a brother or a sister in Christ, whenever we encourage the fainthearted, support the weak and afflicted, being a voice for God’s people for their needs, wants, and rights, form partnerships with different groups and organizations to make sure others can access the services they need, to speak up to world leaders reminding them of their responsibilities –in which they are responsible for their people and for the future generation and the need to increase investment towards schooling, towards quality education, otherwise the world would lose these future generations.

We can be the connection between voiceless people and the world outside, we have to support them, we have to stand with them, and make changes and also take action. So, that we can illuminate the world we live in. To learn the power of advocacy, we close the gap when we become the voice of others’ needs and rights and the tools that can help this world a much better place. -LOUISE LIZASO

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One of my favorite authors once said

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not." Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

This presents us the very core of every advocacy, "empathy". Understanding and sharing that feeling of the other person can make so much difference. When we know how it feels, we know we need to do something to help and be part of the solution. Hence, we advocate for positive change for those in dire need of it. One of those needs, as presented in the video, is education for all. For me, I am blessed that I was provided by my family with a good and quality education. But this is not the same for everyone. Some do not have the money to go to school, or to some they don't have schools they can go to. From empathy to advocacy, we can call on people in power to take action, and ordinary people like us to participate in discussion, campaigns, lobbying, and raise awareness of this need. The power of change is in us the people, only if we use our skills to speak up and make a difference. Without advocacy, more people will be suffering and the world would be a sad place.

- Chied

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Everyone should have the right to education.  Children and even adults should have as many opportunities to learn and increase their potential.  Education helps one grow and develop.  It is a gateway for improvement, sense of fulfillment and even success.  It is really saddening and frustrating to know that a lot of people have no access to education for many different reasons.  In a developing country like ours, one cannot help but feel disappointed with how very little importance is given to education.

During this pandemic, it even made things more difficult for those who are already struggling with minimal or poor quality of education. I have heard stories of children using only their parents mobile phone for their online classes and probably readings. What makes it more tough are the additional obstacles these students have to deal with (poor or no wifi connection,  no printers for activity sheets/readings, unsuitable learning environment, and even the lack of knowledge in using these devices for their learning needs.

Learning about advocacy, what it is and what it can do, brings awareness and sense of hope for the things we can actually do to make a change.  This is especially significant for others especially the less fortunate.  I agree to what Moira said that it takes courage and effort to advocate for change/for others.  Having awareness is a good start .  Given the many different things that people worry, think about and prioritize in their busy lives, it is good to find ways to help (no matter how small) and be able to contribute something to someone else’s life.

- Catherine

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Education in different countries are being at stake due to lockdowns and lack of funds. I am just worried of other children who doesn’t have the access to Education now, especially those children who live in the rural areas (no internet, no gadgets, etc.) Even though public schools or private schools intend to start an online lesson, not all children and parents are prepared for this new change. The power of advocacy can change lives of children and millions of people. I knew that some actress in the Philippines are also involved in the organisation. They used social media or other platform to SPEAK UP and to encourage other individuals to offer HELP. They started some programs which we can help by sending money or food for the families that needed it the most.
-Jen

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With the many different challenges facing children, and people in general around the world, speaking up for justice and change, and doing concrete steps towards the achievement of said positive change must be done. Because in order for it to happen, it must first be heard and known so that people of influence can actually realize them.

Change could start with a single person, then can inspire others, influence policies, and change life of millions.

Being an advocate for change entails courage and preparation.
One must be informed and knowledgeable about the cause s/he is fighting for. One does not have to be alone in the fight, s/he can let his or her voice be heard and have other people sharing the same principle to join her.

It is also helpful that organizations provide resources such as toolkits in order to provide a guide on how to go about advocating for a cause.

Purpose, education, voice, and influence are power in addressing injustices and problems that affect our children and co-citizens of the world in disadvantaged contexts. If we find something we can advocate for and we know that we can do something about it, it is just right to fight for it.
- Moira Pavino

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When you join, support or create an advocacy, you have to understand that you are becoming a voice for someone who would not otherwise be heard. I recently had a conversation with a former varsity player of mine who is a strong advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and I was blown away by her passion for the goals and campaigns of her advocacy. What struck me the most was that despite her youth, she was very knowledgeable and articulate in explaining the various parts of her advocacy - from their goals, plans, campaigns, support systems and all other important elements needed to sustain the advocacy. I was learning a lot and was also forced to examine a few pre-conceived ideas that I had and even though I have always been supportive of the LGBTQIA community, I discovered how much I still had to learn about it.

There is no template for who can and cannot organize an advocacy. Young, old, professional, unemployed - it does not matter. What matters is that someone has the passion, desire and belief in becoming a voice for those who are marginalized or have no one to speak up for them. It is also a great responsibility to take up an advocacy and one that should not be taken lightly.

One voice can make a difference. One voice can be a spark for an individual or a group. If you want to help make a difference, educate yourself and look for an advocacy that you believe in and help to spark a change.

-Riemann

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There were 600 volunteers recently met Senators and law makers  to increase  funding for cancer research. As it is number 2 cause of death in different parts of the world. Their aim is to save lives and ease the burden of seniors. The video really shows the power of advocacy. Gathering people to speak up what they want and what is it for. Power of advocacy can speed up the process of resolving a particular issue.
-Jen

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A basketball player who talked about young people who go to the polls and getting involved in elections. Which he mentioned that many decisions will impact our daily lives (choosing the right individuals who lead us). But to be honest, I am not a registered voter because when I was young, I witnessed vote-buying. It was really unethical but the video shows that we can change the world and why there's power from a single vote. Maybe by speaking up and allowing others to hear how we feel about our politicians. Or use of media can be a great help too. But a voice should be honest and only to speak the truth. Gives justice to our country by becoming responsible voters.
-Jen

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Personally, working in an NGO that advocates for the protection and the welfare of children all over the world makes me realize that there are still a lot of things to be done. My role helps me understand how the organization, in partnership with the local communities and authorities can help combat the several issues that these children and their families face with regard to health, education, and conflicts.

This also makes me realize that one of these countries that need help and attention is our own. I agree with Jen that choosing the right individuals to lead us and implement change is important. They are key enablers in the changes that we want to see in the country: accessibility to inclusive and quality education, basic health services, protection of indigenous people, just labor practices, etc.

Currently, social media is a good platform for making people aware of issues and for campaigning for advocacies especially now that our lawmakers are there too. However, one must be careful too in sharing (and believing) information online. It is a good tool and we can make the most out of it to bring forth change, but we must always be vigilant, and responsible too.
Moira Pavino