Activity 2.1 | Advocating Within Systems

First, listen to Episode Three: Brandie Cristales on Burnout (32:08) of Danielle Schmuecker's podcast supported by ECEBC, WAGE and SRDC, where the discussion explores what steps ECE practitioners need to take to combat burnout. 

Next, read Resisting Burnout with Justice Doing (Reynolds, 2011), where the author critiques the notions of individualism and neutrality in burnout and proposes a resistance approach rooted in collective sustainability, strengthened by justice-driven action (p. 27). 

Supporting, advocating, and holding up your colleagues are essential parts of your work. Early childhood educators have historically been expected to forgo breaks, vacation/sick time, professional learning opportunities, and professional coaching due to the country-wide workforce and funding shortages. These are crucial to ensuring a healthy and qualified workforce of educators in your centre. 

As an ECE, you are in a place of power to influence and advocate for ECEs, children and families. You are in the unique position of having knowledge about regulatory bodies and structures but you also understand the everyday lives of children and families. 

Now, watch the TEDx Talks YouTube video, The Power of Advocacy, where Xiomara Torres explores the idea of advocacy unlocking potential and possibility. She is living proof of this with her incredible life journey.  

After listening, reading, and watching, consider:

• In your context, how will you advocate for working conditions to ensure educators can be healthy for colleagues, children, and families?