The crux of this discourse revolves around the pivotal notion that intent profoundly influences the manner in which we convey our advocacy. I delve into the essentiality of sharing teacher advocacy with a sense of authenticity, gratitude, and humility, ensuring that the focus remains steadfastly on our mission rather than on the pursuit of personal acclaim. Through my recent experiences at the Nebraska State Capitol, I have come to recognize that advocacy transcends mere recognition; it embodies the act of fostering connections and amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard. We must remain vigilant in our intent, as it shapes not only the tone of our message but also the trust we build with our audience. Ultimately, our advocacy should resonate with a sense of purpose, compelling others to engage in the mission rather than merely observe from a distance.

The intricate relationship between intent and advocacy in education is the focal point of this compelling episode hosted by Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. Drawing on his recent testimony at the Nebraska State Capitol, he invites listeners to contemplate the essence of advocacy and the manner in which it is shared. Advocacy is portrayed not merely as a means of seeking acknowledgment but as a profound contribution to the educational community, where the voices of teachers and students can be amplified. Kleve articulates that advocacy, when undertaken with genuine intent, serves as a beacon of hope, fostering connection and collaboration among educators.

Central to Kleve's message is the imperative for educators to scrutinize their motivations prior to disseminating their advocacy narratives on social media. He challenges them to consider whether their posts shine a light on the mission or center around personal achievement. This distinction is crucial, as it informs the tone and reception of advocacy efforts. By embracing a posture of humility and gratitude, educators can transform their storytelling into a collective call to action, inviting others to partake in the mission rather than relegating them to passive observers of one individual's journey.

As the episode progresses, Kleve reinforces the notion that advocacy transcends individual accolades; it is fundamentally an act of service aimed at fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. He suggests that the true measure of advocacy lies not in fleeting praise but in the lasting inspiration it ignites within the community. When educators prioritize the mission over self-promotion, they create a ripple effect that empowers others to share their stories and advocate for change. The episode concludes with a reminder that the heart of advocacy is service, urging listeners to remain steadfast in their commitment to the mission long after the applause has faded.

Takeaways:

• Advocacy is fundamentally about fostering connection and contributing positively, rather than seeking recognition or personal accolades.
• The intent behind sharing advocacy shapes the narrative and influences the impact of the message conveyed to the audience.
• When engaging in advocacy, one must prioritize the mission over personal visibility to ensure that the focus remains on the cause.
• Authenticity in sharing advocacy invites others into the conversation, fostering a community of support rather than individual spotlight.
• Gratitude serves as a crucial element in advocacy, grounding the speaker and redirecting attention towards the overarching mission.
• True advocacy empowers others to find their voice and encourages collective action towards shared goals.

Links referenced in this episode:

• beafunkyteacher.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Be a Funky Teacher

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This is Mr. Funky Teacher with Be a Funky Teacher dot com.

I'm coming to you with another Be a Funky Teacher podcast.

Welcome back everyone.

Today's episode is called Intent Matters.

Sharing Advocacy Without Losing the Mission now over the past few weeks I've been reflecting on advocacy.

Not just advocacy itself, but also how do you share with others about advocacy and and how we go about it and how do we share our stories, our photos and our moments that that we have had when getting to advocate.

See, it's easy to to to to post but it's, it's a little bit harder to pause and to because advocacy isn't about chasing recognition.

It's about building connection.

See, the the difference between the two is intent.

So I'm going to get into that here today talking about how why intent matters.

Before we get into it though, I want to talk about three things that I'm thankful for.

First thing is app based parking meters.

It's a small convenience that removes unnecessary stress and lets us stay focused on real work ahead.

When I was in the capital it was so nice to be able to if I needed to add more time to my parking meter instead of running out mid mid testimony.

If I needed to add add some time to the to where I was parked in the public streets.

Second thing, I am thankful for photos that capture moments y'.

All.

They freeze courage in time.

Not for likes but for for reminders of where we we showed up for something that mattered.

And then the third thing that I'm thankful for is a loving and supportive family excited to see me.

See every advocate needs a foundation.

My family keeps me grounded cheering not for attention but for purpose.

And when I got home after presenting testifying in front of the state legislature my my family was so supportive, so excited to see me and just were just cheering me on from afar.

And then when I got home and I was so thankful for that.

Well, let's talk about the main topic now, which is intent matters, sharing advocacy without losing the mission.

So let's talk about why advocacy matters.

Advocacy is hope in motion, y'.

All.

It.

It says things can get better.

It isn't complaining, it's contributing.

And when teachers speak up, they give voice to those who can't yet or are unable to for some reason.

Silence lets others control the story.

Advocacy adds truth and balance.

When I testified, I wasn't there to represent perfection.

I was there to represent perspective.

Real teachers doing real work for real kids.

That's what advocacy looks like.

Showing up, not showing off.

So let's talk about sharing advocacy with purpose.

After a big moment, it's natural to want to share, right?

But how we share shapes everything.

Before posting, ask does this shine light on the mission or on me?

If it's the mission, post it.

If it's on me, pause and rewrite.

Because intent shapes the tone and tone shapes the trust.

The words you choose can either draw people in or push them away.

Keep the story centered on students, schools, the teachers and the cause, not the spotlight for advocating and focused on you see, when you share with humility, you invite others to join the mission instead of watching from afar.

I think about I had when I presented to the state legislature I did a pre post on social media and then I did a post or a pre testifying post and then I did a post testifying post or I did more follow up and a little bit more in depth and very well received I think on social media.

And it wasn't just for bringing attention to me it was bringing attention towards the mission.

The the the the topic of teacher burnout and teacher retention.

Getting to share the story of teachers across the state and and challenges that we're facing in education in our state of Nebraska and quite frankly not just in Nebraska but other other states as well y' all across the country.

All right, so intent is the anchor here.

People feel authenticity before they hear your words.

When, when intent is right, it sounds like service, not spotlight.

Gratitude keeps ego grounded in in the the message.

Peer everyone.

Advocacy isn't about getting credit.

It's about making sure teachers and students aren't forgotten in rooms where policy is made and your motive gives meaning to your message, y'.

All.

So let's talk about mission over self.

True advocacy points beyond the speaker.

Think about using things like we are or us.

The language builds belonging and unity.

Gratitude is the guardrails between celebration and self promotion.

The the Mission is bigger than the moment and an impact.

It lasts longer when people see the cause, not just a, not just a contributor.

And there's gotta, there's a ripple effect here, y', all, because purpose driven advocacy gives other others permission to speak up as well.

It's not just that one person can only be the advocate.

We want others to be, be advocates too.

So purpose driven advocacy gives others permission to speak up.

It encourages new teachers to stay and help leaders listen differently.

One teacher's courage becomes another's competence, y'.

All.

The real mission of advocacy isn't impressions, it's inspiration.

So think about after the spot light fades too.

After you're.

I, I, I'm, I'm thinking now like, hey, I'm not in front of the, in front of the state legislature right now.

You know, my, my post people are not commenting on my post right now.

Feed.

Scroll on.

But yet the purpose still remains.

When the, when the comments do slow down, your classroom still calls.

Return to your students where advocacy becomes action.

Be remembered for presence, not for performance.

Advocacy isn't a stage, y'.

All.

It's service.

Write that down.

It's going to be in a test.

I'll say that again.

Advocacy isn't a stage, it's a service.

So as we, as we.

I do a reflective closing here.

Intent matters.

Always share because you believe in something bigger than your own story.

Celebrate without centering yourself, y'.

All.

Speak truth without humility.

And let gratitude steady your voice.

When your heart stays on mission, your message never feels like bragging.

It feels like belief.

Well, I hope you found value in this episode.

If you did, jump on over to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcast episodes and hit me up with a five star review and let me know what you think.

And I want you to go in your day to remember to inspire greatness in young people.

And don't forget to be a funky teacher.

Bye now.

He's Mr. Funky Teacher, yeah.

He's Mr. Funky teacher, yeah, yeah, yeah.