‘The commonality is that we’re all there for the people,’ says executive director Monday January 23, 2012 -- Kristian Partington
Several different approaches can guide advocacy in developmental services — some based on patient diplomacy and others based on a more public, vocal questioning of the status quo — and Nancy Brown says this diversity is important when tackling issues the sector faces.
It’s the same sense of purpose, however, that fuels these voices for change and when they’re combined as one call to action the chances of being heard are greatly increased, says Brown, executive director of Community Living Campbellford/Brighton
“I think that’s what makes the world so very interesting,” she says, when considering that wide range of voices.
“The commonality is that we’re all there for the people and that’s where its starts out being relatively easy. After that, everybody does have different directions or strategies that they’re given from their boards, but in the end it’s about the people we support and doing the best we can.”
Brown agrees that between finding and maintaining sustainable calm in the relationship between labour and employers in Ontario ’s developmental services sector, and providing critical supports for people who have an intellectual disability and their families, there is no shortage of challenges facing the sector.
She says drawing attention to the dire need for change in the mind of the public and policy makers requires a concerted effort to relay the same messages and the same sense of purpose in Ontario and beyond.
“It’s about taking the time and getting that group of people together to advocate and have a common voice to present the key issues that are affecting all of us as organizations moving forward,” she adds, pointing out that a range of approaches helps push the common sense of purpose forward.
“I think having all pieces of the pie happening sometimes can be frustrating to those that want things a certain way, but in the end you have to look at it from the other side, which is if we’re hitting the issues from all angles, perhaps we have a stronger voice.”
If you have questions or comments, please contact 800-294-0051, ext. 24, or e-mail kristian(at)axiomnews.ca.