by Kathy Geary
MCGT is committed to advocacy on behalf of gifted kids and their families. The advocacy has focused upon the educational, social and emotional need of GT kids. MCGT has provided this advocacy through its legislative efforts, and in the ongoing commitment to awareness, education and knowledge through the newsletter, annual conference, seminars, and workshops.
Another way MCGT has provided advocacy has been by working with individual families, talking with them on the phone and providing appropriate referrals and resources. As of Fall 2003, MCGT is expanding its individual advocacy and coaching activities.
Many of us have experienced a sense of isolation and being adrift as we learned about gifted/talented individuals, their special learning needs, struggled with accompanying traits (e.g. intensity, perfectionism), and sometimes faced an additional diagnosis such as ADHD, LD, Asperger's Syndrome, etc. We did not even know where to begin the find the information we needed.
One of MCGT's goals is to support parents on this journey. The MCGT Advocacy Project has explored one way to do that. The Advocacy Project emphasizes developing positive working relationships with educational professionals, with an emphasis on collaboration. This project has trained volunteers who are also the parents of gifted children. The individual advocate's goal is to support the family in their efforts to provide an appropriate education for their child(ren). An individual advocate can be recommended to families and caregivers requesting this one-to-one support.
Although MCGT cannot promise successful attainment of goals or specific outcomes, support can be provided to individuals and families as they strive to meet the educational needs of their child. Perhaps most notably, MCGT advocates provide a listening ear, a sounding board, and a one-to one personal connection for the sharing of experiences, ideas, and possibilities. The advocate will attempt to assist parents in obtaining the information and resources necessary to identify their GT child's educational needs, determine appropriate educational alternatives, and identify strategies to meet those needs and ways to successfully advocate on behalf of their child.
How do I learn more about the program and possibly request an advocate?
Call MCGT (952-848-4906) to leave a message, including your name, phone number, and indicate that you are interested in the Advocacy Project, and the best time and way to reach you. You may also contact Katherine Geary via email: katherine.geary@mcgt.net
What will happen next?
Katherine Geary will contact you to answer any questions you have. If you are interested in working with a parent volunteer, she will ask for some information about your child, specific needs and interests, and the current educational setting. Subsequently, a volunteer advocate will be recommended to you.
What can I expect from the advocate?
A volunteer advocate will be available to talk with you via phone or email. This will be determined by the family and the advocate. Advocates will talk with you about the child's specific needs, interests, and skills. They will also want to know about your child's previous educational experiences, past successes and difficulties in working with a school, information about the school and classroom, and goals you have for your child. Advocates will be able to suggest books, articles, websites, and community resources which may assist you. They will also work with you to brainstorm possible educational alternatives and strategies. Obviously, there is a no assured outcome.
What if I am having difficulty in working with the advocate?
If you have a concern or are experiencing difficulty in your working relationship with an advocate, please call the MCGT office and leave a message for Katherine Geary. Please note that you have concerns to discuss.
How can I be assured of the confidentiality of the information I share?
MCGT advocatees have every expectation of keeping your information confidential. They might use the general subject matter of your situations, but only to request assistance from others or to help others learn more. We do not intend to release personally identifiable information.
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