What is an Advocate?

An advocate simply is someone who speaks, writes for or is present for your cause. Or a cause.

In the case of being a Court Advocate, I, personally am not an attorney and attend Court (LOCALLY) in support of people being assaulted by the CPS System. I may also do other things, such as facilitate CPS-Related Support Groups (this is ANTI CPS, or how to navigate UpStream with the CPS Sharks), if a family needs clothing--find that and discretely, find other services that the family has stated they want/need--and discretely. 

The sanctity and privacy of anyone I advocate for is tantamount to that of my own.

When someone I have assisted, asks what they owe me, I say Pay It Forward. (That is an incredible Movie!) So, take what you have learned and continue your battles and see if your heart is able to assist others. This may be just reaching out on a list such as VOCAL/NY and saying, "hey, I care." It may be giving someone a ride to court whose car has broke down or is carless. It may be committing to supervising visits for a family. 

And the endless letters to the editors, politicians and more and more. 

The endless research and learning. The sharing and caring.

Advocacy is wonderful! Without being and advocate, my "rough days" would be unbearable.

I have learned a gazillion times over from the people I have met on this bumpy journey. I love you all!

Love and Peace,
Sheryl Lane-McGrath
P.O. Box 10871
Newburgh, NY 12552
T: 845/778-7198
F: 845/778-1569

And there is only so much we can do FOR someone, regardless of every pound of flesh we give.  Oh, well, nothing to do but keep doing it, best as we can.  There are takers and there are givers.  Some of us are lucky to know sharers.

Best,
Sue J. in Mass.