From Powerless to Purposeful: My Advocacy Journey
Think about a time when you felt truly powerful – not in dominating others, but in creating positive change. How can you recreate more of those moments in your daily life? The world needs your “power with” and “power to” now more than ever! For a little more background, here are my last two blogs on power over/with/to/within:
The Question That Changed My Approach to Power
This question of power has been on my mind because I’ve been putting everything we’ve discussed about reclaiming power into real-world practice.
Why I Chose School Policy as My Advocacy Focus
Remember that physician mom I mentioned who was struggling with her daughter’s science teacher spreading misinformation? Well, I’ve been working on my own school system challenge through an organization called Parents Who Lead, and I want to share exactly how I’m using the power framework we’ve previously discussed.
My project focuses on a seemingly small but potentially life-saving policy change in our school district around medication access.
The Life-or-Death Problem Hidden in School Paperwork
The Problem That Sparked My Action: What Duval County Schools Currently Require
Right now, Duval County Public Schools requires both parent AND healthcare provider signatures on medication authorization forms, plus medications must be in original, unopened containers.
What Florida State Law Actually Says
Here’s the kicker: Florida state law only requires the parent’s written permission and medication in its original, labeled container. That’s it.
Our district policy exceeds state requirements and creates unnecessary barriers that are literally keeping kids from accessing life-saving medications like albuterol inhalers and EpiPens.
Why this matters so much?
Several years ago, an 8-year-old arrived in my ER by ambulance with a severe asthma attack. I’ll never forget the terror in his eyes as he fought for each breath. Despite our interventions, he was admitted to the ICU and narrowly avoided being placed on a ventilator.
The cause? He had no access to his rescue medication at school.
The Real-World Impact on Families
To complicate things, many insurance companies won’t cover duplicate prescriptions, forcing families to pay out-of-pocket for school medications—an impossible burden for many families. Combined with extra doctor visits and extra paperwork… many children go without access to potentially life-saving medications when they need them most.
Applying the Power Framework to Real-World Change
Where Power Comes Into Play
This is where everything we’ve been discussing about power gets real:
Do I have the power to advocate for this change? YES.
Identifying My “Power To” Create Change:
- Power TO: I can research, write, organize, and speak up
Building “Power With” Through Coalition
- Power WITH: I can build coalitions with other parents, healthcare providers, and community members
Drawing on “Power Within” for Credibility
- Power WITHIN: My experience as both an ER physician and mom gives me unique insight and credibility
Do I have the privilege? The right? The responsibility? Absolutely yes.
From Thought Ladder to Action Plan
Can I use my thought ladder approach here? You bet. (Here’s a link to where I introduced this concept.)
My starting thought (the PG version): “This policy is frustrating and bureaucratic.” My current thought: “I have the knowledge, platform, and responsibility to advocate for change that could save children’s lives.”
My Step-by-Step Advocacy Strategy
The Action Plan (Power in Motion)
I’m not just complaining—I’m creating a comprehensive strategy:
Phase 1: Research and Foundation Building
- Research Phase: Meeting with school nurses, pediatricians, and analyzing policy gaps
Phase 2: Coalition Building and Community Engagement
- Coalition Building: Partnering with Parents Who Lead, medical professionals, and concerned families
Phase 3: Formal Advocacy and Public Engagement
- Formal Advocacy: Presenting to the school board and launching a petition
Phase 4: Implementation and Follow-Through
- Implementation: Working with officials to ensure smooth transition
One Policy. One Small Change. Lives Saved.
Your Advocacy Opportunity: Areas Where You Can Create Change
Where Will You Reclaim Your Power?
Common Issues Where Parent Advocacy Makes a Difference
So where are the hurdles in your life where you want to advocate for change?
Maybe it’s:
- A workplace policy that doesn’t serve working parents
- A community issue that affects your family’s safety or well-being
- An educational concern at your child’s school
- A healthcare access issue in your area
Starting Your Own Advocacy Journey
Do you need help figuring out the next steps? Probably—but don’t let that stop you!
Remember: You don’t need to have all the answers before you start. You just need to take the first rung on your thought ladder from “I feel powerless” to “I can take one small action.”
Join the Movement: School Medication Access Reform
How You Can Support This Specific Initiative
If this school medication issue resonates with you, I’d love your support. I’m working to gather 500 signatures on our petition to show the school board that this matters to our community.
| Sign the petition here: Simplify Access to Life-Saving Medications in Duval County Public Schools: https://chng.it/nHkV4PLqGc |
Why This Matters Beyond Duval County:
Even if you’re not in our school district, sharing this with parents you know could help a child in need.
Coaching Support for Aspiring Advocates
Summer Coaching Availability
We just finished the last week of school for my kids, so I may be taking some extra pauses this summer to focus on this advocacy project and enjoy my children and some amazing upcoming trips!
If you don’t hear from me as frequently, know I’m still available for 1:1 coaching or small group coaching.
Managing the Increased Mental Load of Advocacy
The mental load for working moms actually multiplies over the summer—I know because I live it too—and I’m here for you any time you need support.
Call and schedule a consultation below if coaching is something you’re interested in exploring!
Until next time,
Heidi
P.S. This community project has been one of the most empowering experiences I’ve had in years. There’s something magical that happens when you move from feeling frustrated to taking purposeful action– one of the best things about setting big goals isn’t always about achieving it (although I’m a bit determined on this one)– it’s about who you need to become to get it done.
What’s one small step you could take this week toward creating change in an area that matters to you?
One Response
Love this. Well done 🙂