JumpStart International Dance Day (4/29/24)

Big Idea:    
A couple weeks ago, we talked about self-advocacy during our Mindful Monday. The topic came from a participant, and the topic resonated with several people - I received several emails afterward, which rarely happens.


Self-advocacy is the culmination of several skills around self-awareness, and just like I think the CASEL wheel starts with the self-awareness piece and moves through the others to end in responsible decision making, I believe these steps to self-advocacy are sequential.


1. Agency - the ability of individuals (having the skills and strategies) to act independently and make choices that shape their lives and the social structures around them. Agency emphasizes the idea that individuals are not merely passive recipients of societal influences or structural forces but are active participants who can exercise their will, make decisions, and initiate actions.


2. Self-Efficacy -  The belief in one's capabilities to organize and execute the sources of action required to manage prospective situations. (Albert Bandura, 1986)

3. Self-Advocacy - Speaking up for yourself and the things that are important to you. (doing)


When you think about something that you need or that is important to you - something that you have to promote yourself to get or achieve - what is holding you back? Here are some factors that might be a hindrance:

• self-talk and self-confidence
  
• societal and cultural norms
  
• family expectations
  
• education and training
  
• …?
  

When parents would apologize to me for emailing or calling about their child, I told them that one of their main roles as a parent was to be their child’s advocate and to teach them and model how to speak up for themselves.


Because now that we are adulting, who is going to speak up for your needs if you don’t?

This Week, Try This:   What’s something that’s been niggling at you for years now, and you just need to have a conversation with the right person to get your needs met?  Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask!

Quote:  "Self-advocacy is self-care."  (Chasta Hamilton)

Educator Resource:  ISBE’s 3 Ways to Kickstart Mental Health Month - May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to fostering a culture of support and understanding around mental health. It’s crucial to prioritize mental health and well-being in schools, where young minds are constantly growing and developing. Here are three opportunities for school leaders to support mental health in your school communities:

1. Resilient Schools Roadmap Pilot Survey
   
2. SEL Well-Being Survey
   
3. Bulk Registration for Suicide Prevention Training
   

Dad Joke:  The sports store had a major sale on paddles.  It was a big oar-deal.
​​Thanks for reading! On Saturday, May the Fourth be with you!
~Matt Weld, SEL Coach