What is self-advocacy?

Learning about speaking for yourself.

Self advocacy is about having control.

How do you get there?

Learn to speak up for yourself!

Speaking up for yourself helps you get what you want and need.

Can you think of times when it’s important to know how to speak up?

Speaking up for yourself can make changes happen.

Speaking up for yourself can mean big changes too!

Speaking up is simple. But you have to know what you want.

To speak up, you have to be true to what you want, even if other people disagree. It takes courage.

Can you think of a time that someone disagreed with something you wanted? How did it feel?

Have you ever felt intimidated? Has that ever stopped you from asking for what you want?

The key is to be assertive and speak your mind.

Remember, it’s important to be polite and respectful of other people.

If you are not polite when you speak your mind you are being aggressive, not assertive. It doesn’t work to be aggressive.

How can you know the difference between being assertive and aggressive?

Speaking up for yourself takes courage. It also takes learning to be assertive, not aggressive.

But it’s worth it!

You are one of a kind! It’s important to speak up in a way that works for you.

We all have different styles. Some people speak very loudly, other people speak softly. Both kids of people are heard.

No matter what your style, there are things you can do to get your point across more clearly.

Look the person you are talking to in the eye.

Speak slowly and clearly. Relax!

Always be polite.

Think about what you want to say before you speak.

Practice.

If someone addresses the people with you, not you, don’t get mad! Speak up.

Everyone can have an opinion. You must respect others’ opinions before they will respect yours.

Use these skills and you’ll be great at telling your story. Remember it really works to practice.

Congratulations! You’ve completed this lesson about learning to speak up for yourself.

Tell us what you think.