Being An Advocate Can Be Fun and Rewarding
You can be an advocate anywhere, anytime
It is always fun to meet new people and learn new things, something I did last week at one of the many neat places for coffee on Federal Hill, The Roma Café.
I met Carol Anne Costa the recently appointed Executive Director of the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI.
Several people were having coffee that morning, many of whom I knew from the old days. It was nice to see them, but I struggled to mitigate their interruptions to avoid interfering with my interesting discussion with Carol. People you haven’t seen for some time love to burble about the past. Well, though I love the past, and I love burbling, this wasn’t the time.
I knew little of The Coalition, but it did not take Carol long to inform me. Her unbridled enthusiasm for the organization and her plans to move it to the next level captured my interest, as the word advocacy came to mind. I love advocates. They seem to start their days with splashes of happiness while thinking of others before themselves. It’s earnest and fulfilling work.
The Coalition advocates for older adults and adults with disabilities. Carol was in her sweet spot.
Look at the wonderful attributes of advocates . . .
They champion a person, group, or cause and use their actions and influence to bring attention to important issues.
They offer guidance, teach, raise awareness, represent, defend rights, and even lobby.
They volunteer at local organizations.
They face obstacles and overcome difficult challenges.
They offer emotional and practical support to help people navigate challenges.
They speak on behalf of others.
They promote positive change. Positivity. I like that. We need more of it these days in every endeavor. It builds relationships. It gathers communities. And it is rewarding and fulfilling. Why it can even make you feel empowered.
Overall, advocacy, though it can be a complicated and emotional experience, can be incredibly rewarding.
“We are an independent and diverse coalition of over twenty agencies and individual members who advocate for older Rhode Islanders. We work to empower people by giving them a voice to pertinent issues especially those facing older adults and adults with disabilities like, but not limited to, economic security, healthcare and housing. They are issues important to me. I can’t wait to tackle them,” she said, her eyes wide, her fingers tapping, her enthusiasm palpable.
As a physician, my job day after day was to be an advocate for my patients. And I was surrounded by people who were the same. Yes, they were doing a job, but it was more than just a job. It was helping people in need. And I see people helping people every day, not just in the medical arena, but everywhere.
Last week, I was in the bagel shop standing two behind a gentleman who paused at the counter. “How much are half a dozen?” When he heard the answer, he stepped back, put his hand in his pocket, turned, paused and lowered his head.
The lady in front of me whispered and gestured with her crooked finger beckoning the counter person, “Shhh, I’ll pay for his bagels.”
When the gentleman stepped forward again, “No charge, Sir.”
He was perplexed, near stunned. “Why?”
“The lady who just walked out paid for your bagels. She said for you to pay it forward.”
Advocates are everywhere. Satisfaction varies from person to person. Whatever form it takes can satisfy. It can even bolster self-esteem.
“Carol, I need to learn more.” ---- Well, Dr. Ed, I’m inviting you to our conference ‘A Bridge to a Secure Future’ (https://senioragendari.org/) on October 9, 2024, at the Warwick Crown Plaza. It will be a morning chock full of information. I think you’ll enjoy it.”
“I’ll be there.”
So one never knows where a simple meeting will lead. In this case, it engendered my thinking about the rewards of helping. The rewards of listening. The rewards of representing, of caring, of connecting, of cultivating a culture.
Mary Oliver wrote in her beautiful poem, “The Gift”
“And I give thanks also for my mind, that thought of giving a gift.
And mostly I’m grateful that I take this world so seriously.”
Advocate. Even if it’s a bagel.
As always, I love your commentaries for not only what you say, but the way they stimulate that nether region of the mind that seeks knowledge, relevance and inspiration. One of the seven pillars of the Muslim faith is to give without being asked. Why does a Jew read the Koran? To understand what he doesn't know. My sister-in-law has a habit of paying for the purchase of the car behind hers in the drive through lane just to brighten a stranger's day. I have done that occasionally with great reward. I have noticed that Rhode Island drivers are more inclined to allow the opposing car to make a left turn at a stop sign or stop light than any other state. I am so blessed that God and/or circumstances brought me and my family to Rhode Island 45 years ago.
Ed Carols good deeds are rarely written about, but we need more Carols doing GODS work. When we extend ourselves to help others whether in a humanitarian or monetary way, we enlighten our world.