Speak Up! Advocacy Scenarios Project Guide

Welcome to your self-advocacy journey! In this guide, you will explore different situations where speaking up for yourself is key. For each scenario, read carefully, reflect on how you would feel, and consider how you would advocate for your needs.

What is Self-Advocacy?

Self-advocacy is about understanding your own needs and rights, and then communicating them effectively to others. It's a powerful skill that helps you navigate challenges, make your voice heard, and get the support you need to succeed.

Scenarios for Reflection

Scenario 1: The Group Project Grind

You are working on a major group project for your history class. The project is worth a significant portion of your grade. One of your group members consistently fails to complete their assigned tasks, misses meetings, and doesn't respond to messages. The deadline is approaching quickly, and you and the other group members are worried about getting a low grade.

Your Thoughts & Feelings:

How would you advocate for your needs in this situation? (Think about who you would talk to, what you would say, and what outcome you would hope for.)

Scenario 2: The Overwhelming Workload

It's mid-semester, and you suddenly find yourself with an overwhelming amount of work. You have three major tests scheduled for the same day, a large research essay due the next day, and an extracurricular activity requiring a significant time commitment. You feel incredibly stressed, overwhelmed, and are finding it hard to focus, which is starting to affect your sleep and your ability to perform well.

Your Thoughts & Feelings:

How would you advocate for your needs in this situation? (Consider contacting teachers, counselors, or family. What specific requests would you make?)

Scenario 3: Social Pressure

You are at a social gathering with a new group of friends. They suggest an activity that makes you feel uncomfortable or goes against your personal values. Everyone else seems excited about it, and they start to pressure you to join in, saying things like, "Don't be a spoilsport!" or "Everyone else is doing it."

Your Thoughts & Feelings:

How would you advocate for your needs and set your boundaries in this situation? (What would you say or do to respectfully decline while maintaining your integrity?)

Scenario 4: Academic Misunderstanding

You received a lower grade than expected on a recent assignment. You reviewed the feedback, but you genuinely believe there was a misunderstanding in the grading, or that your answer was correct based on your interpretation of the instructions. You're hesitant to approach your teacher because you don't want to seem disrespectful or challenging.

Your Thoughts & Feelings:

How would you advocate for your needs in this situation? (What steps would you take to prepare for a conversation with your teacher, and what would your goal be?)

Scenario 5: Health & Wellness

You've been feeling unusually tired for several weeks, having trouble concentrating in class, and experiencing frequent headaches. You're worried about your health but are unsure how to explain this to your parents or a school nurse, especially since you don't have a fever or obvious illness.

Your Thoughts & Feelings:

How would you advocate for your needs in this situation? (Who would you talk to, and how would you describe what you're experiencing to get the help you need?)

My Advocacy Action Plan

Reflect on the scenarios and discussions. What is one specific strategy or phrase you learned today that you will try to use when you need to advocate for yourself in the future?

Teacher Script: Speak Up! Advocacy Scenarios

Introduction (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Good morning/afternoon! Today, we're going to talk about a super important skill: self-advocacy. It's something you'll use throughout high school and for the rest of your life. To start, I want you to think about a time you needed something, but didn't know how to ask for it. How did that feel?"

(Teacher): "Sometimes it can feel tough to speak up, right? Self-advocacy is all about understanding your own needs and rights, and then confidently and respectfully communicating them to others. We're going to explore some real-life situations where knowing how to advocate for yourself can make a huge difference. Our goal today is to help you identify these situations and start thinking about effective ways to speak up. Let's look at our first few slides to get a better understanding." (Display Advocacy Scenario Slides - Slides 1-3)

Scenario Exploration & Guided Discussion (30 minutes)

(Teacher): "Now, I'm going to give you this Speak Up! Advocacy Scenarios Project Guide. I'd like you to take about 15 minutes to read through the scenarios silently and jot down your initial thoughts and feelings for each. Don't worry about perfect answers right now, just what comes to mind. I'll be here if you have any questions." (Distribute Speak Up! Advocacy Scenarios Project Guide. After 15 minutes, bring the student back to discussion.)

(Teacher): "Alright, let's talk through these. Remember, there's no single 'right' answer, but we want to explore effective strategies."

Scenario 1: The Group Project Grind (Display Advocacy Scenario Slides - Slide 4)

(Teacher): "You're working on a group project, and one member isn't pulling their weight. How does this scenario make you feel? What are your immediate concerns?"

(Teacher): "Who do you think you should talk to first in this situation? Why?"

(Teacher): "What specific words or phrases could you use to explain the problem to your teacher or the group member, without just complaining?"

(Teacher): "What's a realistic outcome you'd hope for from advocating in this scenario?"

Scenario 2: The Overwhelming Workload (Display Advocacy Scenario Slides - Slide 5)

(Teacher): "You have a ton of assignments due all at once. How does this situation impact you personally – your sleep, your stress levels, your grades?"

(Teacher): "Who are the different people you could approach for help in this situation? What would be the pros and cons of talking to each of them?"

(Teacher): "If you were to ask a teacher for an extension or support, what information would you need to provide? How would you make your case effectively?"

Scenario 3: Social Pressure (Display Advocacy Scenario Slides - Slide 6)

(Teacher): "Your friends are pressuring you to do something you're uncomfortable with. How do you feel internally when this happens?"

(Teacher): "What are some direct and polite ways you could say 'no' or set a boundary without alienating your friends?"

(Teacher): "What are the potential consequences of not speaking up in this situation? And what are the benefits of doing so?"

Scenario 4: Academic Misunderstanding

(Teacher): "You got a grade you don't agree with, and you think there might be a mistake. What's your biggest worry about talking to your teacher about it?"

(Teacher): "How could you prepare for a conversation with your teacher to make sure you're respectful and clear? What evidence might you bring?"

(Teacher): "What's the goal of this conversation? Is it always to get your grade changed, or could there be other valuable outcomes?"

Scenario 5: Health & Wellness

(Teacher): "You're feeling unwell, but it's not an obvious sickness. Why might it be hard to bring this up to your parents or a nurse?"

(Teacher): "What specific details about your symptoms would be important to share? How can you clearly describe what you're experiencing?"

(Teacher): "What support are you hoping to get by speaking up about your health?"

Role-Playing (Optional, 5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Let's try one. Pick one scenario where you felt a little unsure about what to say. I'll play the other person, and you practice advocating for yourself. Ready?" (Facilitate role-play, offer constructive feedback on tone, clarity, and assertiveness.)

Wrap-up and Reflection (5 minutes) (Display Advocacy Scenario Slides - Slide 7)

(Teacher): "Great job today! Remember, self-advocacy is a skill that gets stronger with practice. Your voice matters, and you have the right to express your needs. Before we finish, look at the 'My Advocacy Action Plan' section in your guide. What is one specific strategy or phrase you learned today that you will try to use when you need to advocate for yourself in the future?"

(Teacher): "Thank you for your thoughtful participation today. Keep practicing these skills!"