The Sunflower School

The following links are friends and colleagues, or just organizations that deserve tremendous respect!

www.allianceforchildhood.org

www.awsna.org

www.childcareexchange.com

www.commercialfreechildhood.org

www.icaf.org

www.ipausa.org

www.montessori.edu

www.naturallearning.org

www.piaget.org

www.pitc.org

www.planetearthplayscapes.com

www.rootsandshoots.org

www.turnthepage.com

How to Advocate for Children

Speak knowledgeably.

Write impassioned letters.

Vote intelligently.

Make friends.

Be polite.  Even if you disagree, make sure your tone is appropriate as you defend your beliefs.  This models peaceful problem-solving to all persons.  You are inviting someone to consider your point of view.

Model kindness.  It is never wrong to care.  It is always possible that someone will take advantage of your better nature, but the potential of that embarrassment is preferable to stomping on their feelings.  Keep your hand reaching out, no matter how many times it gets slapped.  Be receptive to apologies.

Thoroughly research the issue or product.  Do not be distracted by glossy marketing, dynamic presentations, or inflated credentials.  Ask questions, check references, require documentation, probe.  A lot of so-called experts have very little hands-on experience working with children and families.  Always consider educational advice from an educator, but never take parenting advice from someone who isn't.

Know what you believe in.  Stand up for it.  Courage.