3 Ways You Can Advocate For The Issues Important To You
How can we foster change when it seems like the issue is too huge to tackle? Jaye Wilson, a mompreneur, motivational public speaker, social activist, maternal advocate, and coach is uniting women of color and advocating for maternal health through Melinated Moms. In the latest episode of Live Fervently, Jaye highlights the need for health equity for all and stares three ways you can advocate:
“Get involved.”
There are many ways you can advocate—both offline and online. If you want to advocate change in maternal health, Jaye advises to research the issue. Find out your state statistics and even drill down to your city’s maternal health statistics. For example, New Jersey is ranked #45 out of 50 states for positive birthing outcome for Black women. This is a staggering statistic. There is a need to bring these disparities to the forefront and give those women who didn’t have a chance, a voice, and change of what good care is. It shouldn’t be what kind of health insurance or the hospital you go to.
“Talk about it and acknowledge, and then create the change we want to see.”
The issue can be uncomfortable but change causes discomfort. In order to be part of the change she wants to see, Jaye speaks and advocates on maternal issues on the local, state, and national levels. Not comfortable speaking? Use letter writing, phone calls, emails, social media and face-to-face meetings to develop strong relationships with the issue’s stakeholders.
Join communities advocating for change.
There are power in numbers. Join and support reputable organizations that are creating change for the issue(s) you are passionate about. If you can’t find an organization start your own. Jaye started Melinated Moms in 2017 to creating safe spaces for members to advocate for important issues like the devastating statistics affecting expectant black mothers & advocating health equity for ALL.
Aliah Davis-McHenry is an award-winning marketing strategist at The Fervency , speaker, and Founder of Fervent Wellness. She is a PR News Top Woman in PR, honored as a Changemaker at the inaugural White House Summit for Women, and featured in O, Essence, CNN, Real Simple, and Working Mother. Spending time with her husband and sons, yoga, her Peloton, and motivating women makes Aliah feel FERVENT. Connect with her on Instagram and Twitter or drop her a line.