The Ethics of Advocacy: Using Your VOICE to Champion Change Dr. Roberta Neault Presented by: Life Strategies Ltd. 604-856-2386 roberta@lifestrategies.ca www.lifestrategies.ca
CDANZ Code of Ethics Promote professionalism/respect for career development practice s Represent services, qualifications, and experience accurately/fully Respect client’s dignity, personal rights, and right to self -determination Ensure ethical/cultural dimensions are respected Prioritise client’s wellbeing, positive growth, and development Disclose conflicts of interest, known or potential Remain socially aware of impact of actions and misuse of influence Inform client of contractual limits to confidentiality/rights Provide legal, responsible, transparent, fair, reasonable, and timely services Maintain professional currency/qualifications Source: http://www.cdanz.org.nz/about-cdanz/code-of-ethics/
1. FEEL THE FEELINGS
Emotions as Fuel for Change Anger Sadness No humour Irritated Annoyed Exasperated Miserable Depressed
2. CHANNEL OUTRAGE TO CHAMPION CHANGE
To advocate is to… Serve as Work Protect a the towards client’s client’s social rights voice justice Source: http://www.ehow.com/facts_6819327_advocacy-code- ethics.html#ixzz1AwfCX6z0
3. CONDUCT A NEEDS ANALYSIS
Choose a Burning Issue Government and policy Treatment of addictions Disrespectful/biased employers Advancement of transferable skills training Pregnant women and women on maternity leave Subjectivity of funding decisions Assisting clients to get additional benefits Homelessness Troubled teens and youth that do not “fit” Safe, secure, and affordable housing Case management within a new structure
4. RAISE AWARENESS
4 Stages of Learning Model You know you You’re learning . . . but Incompetent Competent don’t know it’s a struggle Conscious Conscious Conscious Incompetence Competence You don’t know what you don’t know Unconscious Unconscious Unconscious Incompetence Competence You can do it without thinking about it
Getting the Word Out Explain concerns to your client • This may result in client’s informed consent Share your own experiences and insights • Omit specific client details Recognize risks • Clients may still be recognized • Concerns may be minimized without detail Consult with colleagues and supervisors
5. MAKE A CASE FOR ADVOCACY
Why Advocate? • Promote change Client- • Improve quality of life Care • Remove potential barriers to success Self- • Promote well being Care • Avoid burnout
Risks/Benefits of Advocacy Benefits Risks • Open doors • Conflict • Navigate “red • Disempowerment tape” • Danger • Spark personal • Misinformation growth in clients • Create change
Making a Compelling Case What’s your question? What data do you need? How can you collect it? How can you clearly report results? Who needs to know? How will you reach them?
6. MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY OR GET INFORMED CONSENT TO RELEASE INFORMATION
Preserving Client Confidentiality Honour clients’ request to not “make a fuss” Don’t let your own need for justice over- ride your clients’ right to privacy Obtain client consent to advocate Acknowledge when is it okay to breach confidentiality
7. STAY FOCUSSED
8. DRAW YOUR LINE IN THE SAND
9. FACILITATE SELF-ADVOCACY
Help People Help Themselves Be a Role Model Coach Mentor Teach • Critical thinking • Communication • Goal-setting and action-planning
10. MONITOR YOUR APPROACH
Ethical Decision-Making Model Recognize that an ethical dilemma exists Identify the relevant ethical issues Examine the risks / benefits of each action Choose a solution, take action, evaluate the results Learn from the situation
10 Tips for Ethical Advocacy 1. Feel the feelings 2. Channel outrage to champion change 3. Conduct a needs analysis 4. Raise awareness 5. Make a case for advocacy 6. Maintain confidentiality 7. Stay focussed 8. Draw your line in the sand 9. Facilitate self-advocacy 10. Monitor your approach
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