2018 is here, and it’s the season when most of us consider New Year’s resolutions and even the most cynical among us dares to think that with a little will power we might do any number of things: lose weight, eat healthier, watch less TV, get that promotion, or repair damaged relationships. 2017 was a year that saw a number of social movements precipitated by what national leaders did as well as the misbehavior of those in government and media in regards to sexual harassment. Whether or not the news that hit our headlines in 2017 motivated you to march in the streets or donate to a particular cause, I might suggest that a better approach for affecting and sustaining meaningful societal change rests in how we view ourselves and our social activism. This year, since we’re considering resolutions, I’d ask you to consider one that will make the world a better place and will give you a sense of purpose in 2018: be an advocate.
An advocate is someone who speaks on behalf of someone or something that they feel strongly about. It’s a willingness to put some “skin in the game,” affecting change in a system, situation, or society through personal effort. It involves speaking out, speaking for, and being there for someone or something outside yourself. It is, ideally, a purely selfless act. It’s also a recognition that, while we can’t do everything, we can do something. And, that something just might make the world brighter and more beautiful. An advocate does more than curse the darkness, she lights the way to a better tomorrow. An advocate joins with others, like those engaged in ChildWise Affiliates throughout Montana to better the lives of children in our communities (see video for more on this exciting movement)!
So, what should you advocate for? How should you go about becoming an advocate?
Where would you start in considering advocacy in 2018? I have a few suggestions for you, based on my own experience. I trust that if you follow these guidelines, you’ll find yourself connected to a cause and to a group of people that will help make this an amazing year of fulfillment, hope and promise.
First, examine what you do for most of your waking hours. If it is employment outside the home, what is your line of work? What causes might be connected to your place of employment? If you work in the home, maybe you’ll connect best to a cause that resonates for your passion for raising healthy children or supporting other families? I currently work at Intermountain, an agency dedicated to “caring solutions, strong families, and healthy communities” in Montana since 1909. I am passionate about what I do, so it is easy to advocate for the children and families we serve. If you can find someone or something to advocate for that connects to your vocation, you’ll go a long way towards making that job a calling!
Secondly, consider what issues or personal hardships have you endured. If you are here to celebrate the New Year, you are a survivor! Who helped you along the way? Answering this question can help you find people and organizations that will help you “pay it forward.” For instance, my older brother had Muscular Dystrophy and was helped by both the MDA (Jerry’s Kids) and benefitted from having a wish granted by Make-A-Wish many years ago. So, my act of “paying it forward” is to support MDA and volunteer as a Wish Granter with Montana Make-A-Wish! By mining your personal history, you are bound to find something you can advocate for, even redeeming something from your past that was difficult or troubling.
The great thing is, when you take your past pain and put it into service in the present, you are able to connect with those you are helping in a much more profound and compassionate way. As you have been comforted by God, family and friends, you can comfort others (2 Cor. 1:4).
Lastly, ask around at the groups you participate in to discover new avenues for advocacy. Maybe your Rotary or Lions group is passionate about clean water or education? Maybe that booster club you joined is more than you assumed it was and is doing some great work to help students on and off the field? Communities of faith are great places for advocacy… have you considered getting involved in a cause your church or fellowship is invested in? My home church is Headwaters Covenant Church, and in 2018 we are purposefully focusing on making our church a more trauma sensitive space by including a sensory-break room where those that are overwhelmed, regardless of age, can take the opportunity to regulate their mind, bodies, and spirits in order to better connect with the worshipping experience.
So, whether it springs forth from your occupation or vocation, connects to a piece of your personal history, or allows you to connect in a deeper way with your church or community, be an advocate in 2018. You can help our world become a better place and that is a resolution worth making. Happy New Year!
[Note: A version of this article originally appeared in the Helena Independent Record, print edition, Dec 31, 2016]
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