Advocacy Warm Up: What's Your Story?

Think about a time when you had to speak up for yourself or for someone else. This could be at work (e.g., at TJ Maxx), at home, or anywhere else.

1. What was the situation?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What did you say or do?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What was the result of you speaking up?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. How did it make you feel?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Be prepared to share your thoughts with the class if you feel comfortable.

Understanding Workplace Advocacy in Retail (TJ Maxx)

Advocacy is about speaking up for yourself or others to ensure needs are met and rights are respected. In a retail workplace, like TJ Maxx, self-advocacy is a crucial skill for everyone, but it can be especially empowering for individuals with disabilities. It allows you to shape your work environment to be as supportive and effective as possible, helping you succeed in your role.

Why Your Voice Matters at Your Retail Job

Being able to advocate for yourself at a store like TJ Maxx offers many benefits:

• Ensuring Fair Treatment: Advocacy helps prevent discrimination and ensures you receive the same opportunities and respect as your colleagues, whether it's for scheduling, task assignments, or breaks.
• Accessing Reasonable Accommodations: If you have a disability, advocating for reasonable accommodations is essential. These are adjustments to the job or work environment that enable you to perform the essential functions of your position. Examples in retail might include a stool at the cash register, modified lifting requirements for stocking, a quieter area for break times, or assistive technology for inventory management.
• Professional Growth: Speaking up about your career goals, desire for training (e.g., on new cash register systems, visual merchandising), or interest in new tasks/departments can open doors to advancement and skill development within the store.
• Solving Problems: If you encounter challenges, such as unclear instructions on where to place merchandise, issues with a coworker, or difficulty with a new store procedure, advocacy helps you communicate issues clearly and work towards solutions, leading to a more positive and productive experience for everyone.
• Building Respect: When you respectfully express your needs and concerns, you demonstrate professionalism and self-respect, which can earn you respect from your managers and fellow associates.

Who Needs to Advocate at a Store Like TJ Maxx?

While this lesson focuses on adults with disabilities, the truth is, everyone needs to advocate for themselves at some point in their retail career. This includes:

• Individuals with Disabilities: To ensure reasonable accommodations are provided and understood, and to address any barriers they might face with tasks like customer service, stocking, or store cleanliness.
• New Employees: To ask questions, seek clarification on tasks (e.g., how to fold clothes, where to put new arrivals), or understand store policies and culture.
• Employees Seeking Advancement: To discuss promotions, pay raises, or new responsibilities within the store (e.g., becoming a key holder, working in the fitting rooms).
• Anyone Facing Challenges: Whether it's a conflict with a coworker over duties, an overwhelming workload during a busy sale, or a need for different tools to complete tasks efficiently.

What to Advocate For in a Retail Setting

Advocacy in the retail workplace can cover a wide range of topics:

• Accommodations: Such as a quieter workspace for inventory tasks, specific communication methods, ergonomic equipment for cashiers, or a modified schedule for medical appointments.
• Clarification: Asking for more detailed instructions on merchandising displays, explanations of new sales promotions, or feedback on customer interactions.
• Boundaries: Communicating your capacity for tasks, your availability for shifts, or your need for specific breaks during long shifts.
• Development: Expressing interest in training programs (e.g., safety, product knowledge), mentorship opportunities, or taking on new projects like organizing a specific department.
• Conflict Resolution: Addressing disagreements or misunderstandings with colleagues or supervisors in a constructive way (e.g., about shared duties, customer disputes).

When to Advocate for Yourself at Work

Choosing the right time to advocate can be just as important as knowing what to say:

• Early and Proactively: If you anticipate a need (e.g., an accommodation for a new task or a busy season), it's often best to address it before it becomes a problem.
• When a Need Arises: As soon as you realize you need support or a change to perform your job effectively (e.g., if a new display is too high to reach).
• During Scheduled Meetings: Performance reviews, one-on-one meetings with your store manager, or team huddles can be good opportunities.
• After Preparation: Take time to think about what you want to say, what your ideal outcome is, and any information you need to support your request (e.g., relevant company policies, your specific needs).

Effective advocacy in a retail environment is about clear, respectful, and persistent communication. It's a skill that grows with practice and can significantly improve your experience and success at work.

Retail Advocacy Scenario Discussion Cards

Instructions: Read each scenario with your group. Discuss the questions below each scenario. Be ready to share your thoughts with the class.

Scenario 1: The High Shelves

Situation: You work in the home goods section of TJ Maxx. Recently, new displays have been set up with merchandise placed on very high shelves, making it difficult for you to reach and organize items safely without assistance. This slows down your work and can be frustrating.

Discussion Questions:

1. What exactly should you advocate for in this situation?
2. Who should you talk to first (e.g., store manager, department lead, HR)?
3. When would be a good time to bring this up (e.g., during a shift, before a shift, in a meeting)?
4. What might be some potential solutions or accommodations you could suggest?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: Unclear Merchandising Guidelines

Situation: You are responsible for stocking and organizing a specific aisle. Your supervisor often gives verbal instructions for new merchandising layouts or promotions, but they are sometimes vague, and you end up doing it incorrectly, leading to rework.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you need to advocate for here to improve your understanding of tasks?
2. How would you approach your supervisor?
3. What specific request could you make to help you succeed (e.g., written instructions, visual examples)?
4. What are the benefits of advocating in this situation for both you and the store?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 3: Scheduling Conflicts

Situation: You have a standing doctor's appointment every Tuesday afternoon that you cannot reschedule. Your new weekly work schedule has you scheduled to work every Tuesday afternoon, despite you having previously informed management of your availability.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the core issue you need to advocate for?
2. What information do you need before approaching someone (e.g., past communication records, availability sheet)?
3. Who should be your primary contact for this issue?
4. How can you express your needs and ensure your schedule reflects your availability moving forward?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 4: Customer Service Challenge

Situation: You are at the cash register, and a customer is verbally aggressive and upset about a return policy, raising their voice. You feel uncomfortable and unsupported.

Discussion Questions:

1. What specific support or action are you advocating for in this immediate situation?
2. What is the immediate impact of this issue on your ability to perform your job?
3. Who holds the primary responsibility for addressing this kind of customer issue in the store?
4. How would you clearly communicate the problem and your need for assistance or a resolution?

Crafting Your Advocacy Script

Instructions: Think about a hypothetical situation at a retail workplace like TJ Maxx where you might need to advocate for yourself. This could be asking for a reasonable accommodation (e.g., a specific tool), clearer instructions on a task (e.g., merchandising), or a professional development opportunity (e.g., training for a new department). Follow the steps below to craft a simple advocacy script.

Step 1: Identify Your Situation

Briefly describe the hypothetical retail workplace situation you want to advocate for.

My situation is:

Step 2: What is Your Goal?

What specific outcome do you want to achieve by advocating? Be clear and concise.

My goal is:

Step 3: Who Will You Talk To?

Who is the best person to speak with about this (e.g., your store manager, department lead, HR)?

I will talk to:

Step 4: Draft Your Script

Write down what you would say. Remember to be:

• Clear: State your need directly.
• Respectful: Use polite language.
• Solution-Oriented: Suggest potential solutions if you have them.

My Advocacy Script:

(Start with a polite greeting, then state your purpose, explain your need, and propose a solution or ask for collaboration.)

Hello [Person's Name],

Step 5: Practice and Refine

Read your script aloud. Does it sound natural? Is it clear? How might you adjust it to be more effective? (You can practice with a partner if you'd like!)

My Advocacy Plan: Preparing to Speak Up

This worksheet is designed to help you think through and plan for future self-advocacy in a retail workplace like TJ Maxx. Even if you don't have a specific situation right now, planning ahead can build confidence.

Section 1: Identifying Potential Needs

1. What are some common challenges or situations you might face at work in a retail environment where advocating for yourself could be helpful? (Think about accommodations, communication, workload during busy periods, customer interactions, etc.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Are there any aspects of your current or a past retail job where you wished you had spoken up? What was it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 2: Brainstorming Solutions & Approaches

1. For one of the potential situations you identified above, what are some possible solutions or accommodations in a retail context?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Who would be the best person to talk to about this need in your store, and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What information or evidence might you need to support your request? (e.g., doctor's note, specific examples of issues, company policy regarding accommodations or breaks)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 3: Drafting Your Strategy

1. When would be an appropriate time to bring up your concern or request at your retail job? (e.g., during a one-on-one with your manager, in an email, scheduled meeting)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Write down key phrases or points you would want to include when you speak up. Focus on being clear, respectful, and focused on solutions relevant to your retail role.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What are some potential concerns you have about advocating in a retail setting? How can you address or minimize these risks?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 4: Reflection

How does having a plan make you feel about future advocacy in your retail workplace? What is one step you can take today to build your advocacy skills related to your job?

Workplace Advocacy Project: My Comprehensive Retail Plan

Objective: To apply the principles of self-advocacy by developing a detailed, personalized plan for navigating a specific advocacy situation within a retail workplace like TJ Maxx.

Project Overview: You will choose a hypothetical or real (but non-identifying) retail workplace scenario where self-advocacy would be beneficial. Then, you will create a comprehensive plan outlining how you would advocate effectively in that situation.

Deliverables:

1. Scenario Description (1-2 paragraphs): Clearly describe the retail workplace situation that requires advocacy. Include relevant details such as the issue (e.g., needing an accommodation for a task, unclear instructions, scheduling conflict), who is involved, and the potential impact if not addressed.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Advocacy Goal(s) (1-2 sentences): State clearly what you hope to achieve by advocating in this specific retail scenario.
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Key Stakeholders (1-2 sentences): Identify who you need to speak with (e.g., store manager, department lead, HR, a specific team member) and why they are the appropriate person for your retail issue.
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Information Gathering (1 paragraph): What information, documentation, or company policies (e.g., TJ Maxx employee handbook, accommodation policies) would you research or gather to support your advocacy efforts?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Drafted Communication (Script/Email - 1-2 paragraphs): Write out a sample script for a conversation or a draft email you would send. Ensure it is clear, respectful, solution-oriented, and includes your needs/requests relevant to your retail role.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Timing and Approach (1 paragraph): Explain when you would choose to advocate (e.g., during a scheduled one-on-one with your manager, after your shift, via email) and how you would approach the conversation (e.g., in person, via email, bringing a support person, having a written outline).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. Potential Risks and Mitigation (1 paragraph): Identify any potential negative consequences or challenges you might face when advocating in this retail scenario. Describe strategies you would use to minimize these risks.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

8. Reflection (1 paragraph): What did you learn about your own advocacy style or potential challenges during this project, especially in a retail context?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Presentation (Optional, but encouraged): Be prepared to briefly share your scenario and your advocacy approach with the class.

Advocacy Reflection: Your Voice, Your Future in Retail

Take a few minutes to reflect on today's lesson about workplace advocacy, especially as it applies to a retail setting like TJ Maxx.

1. What is the most important idea or skill you learned today about self-advocacy in a retail workplace?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How do you think you can apply this learning in your current or a future retail job?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What is one question you still have about workplace advocacy in a retail environment?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! This will serve as your exit ticket.

Retail Workplace Advocacy Quiz Answer Key

1. What is the primary purpose of self-advocacy for an employee with a disability working at TJ Maxx?

• Correct Answer: To ensure fair treatment and access to reasonable accommodations for job tasks.
• Reasoning: Self-advocacy is essential for individuals with disabilities in retail to secure the necessary support and equitable treatment to effectively perform their duties, such as stocking, customer service, or operating a cash register.

2. Which of the following is NOT typically something you would advocate for in a retail workplace?

• Correct Answer: Your friend's personal issues outside of work.
• Reasoning: While you might offer personal support to a friend, workplace advocacy focuses on your own needs, accommodations, professional development, or work-related issues within the store. A friend's personal problems fall outside the scope of your self-advocacy at TJ Maxx.

3. When is the best time to advocate for a reasonable accommodation, such as a modified lifting requirement for stocking shelves?

• Correct Answer: As soon as you identify the need, preferably proactively, or when a new task is assigned.
• Reasoning: Addressing needs early and proactively prevents issues from escalating (e.g., potential injury from lifting) and allows management sufficient time to implement appropriate accommodations for retail tasks.

4. What is a key strategy to minimize risks when advocating for yourself at a store like TJ Maxx?

• Correct Answer: Know your employee rights (e.g., company policies, ADA) and document communications.
• Reasoning: Understanding your rights as a retail employee and keeping records of requests and interactions (like emails to your manager or HR about accommodations) provides a strong foundation and protection for your advocacy efforts.

5. Describe one benefit of effective self-advocacy for a retail employee at TJ Maxx.

• Possible Answers (accept any reasonable, well-explained benefit specific to retail):
  • Ensuring Fair Treatment: You are treated equitably in terms of scheduling, task assignments (e.g., specific departments), and opportunities within the store.
  • Accessing Necessary Accommodations: You receive the specific tools or adjustments (e.g., a chair at the register, assistance with heavy lifting, modified break schedule) needed to perform your retail job well.
  • Professional Growth: You can express interest in training for new systems or departments, or pursuing leadership roles within the store.
  • Improved Productivity: By addressing barriers, you can work more effectively and efficiently, contributing positively to the store's operations.
  • Building Respect: When you communicate your needs professionally, you earn respect from your managers and colleagues, fostering a better work environment.

Retail Advocacy Bingo!

Instructions: Each square on your bingo card contains a statement or scenario related to workplace advocacy in a retail setting. As the teacher reads out definitions, examples, or questions, mark the square on your card if it applies or answers the prompt. The first person to get five squares in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) shouts "ADVOCACY BINGO!"

Retail Advocacy Bingo Card

Teacher Calling Card Examples (Cut these out and draw randomly)

• "This means making adjustments for a disability, like a chair for a cashier."
• "It's important to understand company policies and legal protections like the ADA."
• "This ensures you get equal opportunities and are not treated unfairly in terms of shifts or tasks."
• "Don't wait until a problem gets too big; address it early."
• "When verbal directions are confusing, ask for these instead."
• "Always keep records of your requests and conversations about your needs."
• "If a task is too difficult or heavy, you should do this."
• "Choosing the right moment to talk to your manager is crucial."
• "When you want to learn more skills, like how to do visual merchandising."
• "Working with your manager to find solutions to a problem."
• "Always use polite and professional language when speaking up."
• "An adjustment to your job or workplace that helps you do your job."
• "The department that handles employee relations and concerns."
• "Examples include flexible hours or avoiding certain days."
• "Working together with colleagues to improve a process or solve an issue."
• "Talking to your manager about too many tasks or long shifts."
• "Showing interest in learning new things or advancing in your career."
• "Believing in your own worth and expressing your needs."
• "A workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and included."
• "When you need to adjust your scheduled working hours."
• "Resolving disagreements with other employees or management."
• "Don't give up if your first attempt doesn't resolve the issue immediately."
• "Your ability to express what you need and want is powerful."
• "Asking your supervisor how you can improve your work on displays or customer service."