First Generation Programming Services

Welcome back, First Gens! This past month has been challenging for a lot of us. There is so much uncertainty and unknown. I am having a difficult time acknowledging that I do not have all of the answers, but there are other ways that I can provide support. This is why this month’s theme, Advocating as a First Gen, feels very appropriate. In my first solo episode, I talk about advocating for yourself and advocating for others. I truly don’t think that we can fully advocate for others, if we do not learn how to advocate for ourselves first. It’s like the saying that you can’t pour from an empty glass. You can only pour from an overflow.

Advocacy allows us to stand up for ourselves and others, especially in communities where voices are often overlooked. As First Gens, many of us were not taught how to advocate for ourselves because our families were focused on survival, navigating systems that weren’t built with us in mind. However, learning to advocate is not just about securing opportunities, it’s about rewriting the narrative for future generations.

Advocacy as a First Gen

Advocacy can mean many different things. It is about speaking up for our needs, setting boundaries, and confidently pursuing opportunities. I share about how a lot of us were raised with the belief that we should be grateful for what we have and not rock the boat. While gratitude is important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of our well-being and success. Self-advocacy allows us to break generational cycles and challenge the notion that we should accept less than we deserve. Advocacy creates confidence, encourages independence, and helps us navigate those unfamiliar spaces like education, workplaces, and professional networks.

Cultural norms can also shape how we approach advocacy. Many First Gens emphasize humility and collectivism, which can make boundary-setting feel uncomfortable. We may have been taught to avoid conflict and keep our struggles private. However, advocacy does not mean disrespecting our values; rather, it means blending our cultural strengths with the ability to stand up for ourselves and others.

Advocacy and Mental Health

By challenging these barriers, we redefine what success looks like for our families and communities. Advocacy does not mean leaving where you came from behind. It means building upon your roots to create new opportunities and spaces where our voices matter. As First Gens, when we learn to advocate for ourselves, we inspire others to do the same. This creates a ripple effect, leading to systemic change and greater representation in spaces where our communities have historically been excluded. Advocacy helps develop essential skills like communication, negotiation, and emotional intelligence, all of which are vital for both personal and professional growth.

Advocacy is not just about the present; it’s about setting a precedent for how we want to be treated in the long run. By learning to advocate for ourselves, we ensure that future generations have a roadmap to empowerment and success. Make sure you check out the podcast episode here: http://thefirstgenmadrina.buzzsprout.com.

The First Gen Madrina/The Social Work Madrina