Challenges of Being an Advocate and Neutral Facilitator

Advocacy represents strategies, actions taken and solutions proposed to influence decision-making to create positive change for people and their environment. Advocacy is speaking up for, or acting on behalf of, yourself or another person. The other person is often receiving a service from a statutory or voluntary organization. An advocate is a person who argues for a cause; a supporter or defender who pleads in another's behalf.

A mediator is an impartial third party who facilitates communication between or among two or more parties in dispute. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions for the parties. The mediator helps to create a safe environment where the parties can discuss issues in an open and respectful manner. The mediator helps the parties to explore and understand the issues in dispute, develop alternatives, make informed decisions and work toward reaching a practical and mutually satisfying outcome.

I think that it would be a hard job being both an advocate and a mediator, only because it would be confusing. One day you are the mediator between the two parties and the next you are taking one’s side over the other.

With Planned Parenthood I don’t know what side I would take if I were to work there. You have this girl that has no means to take care of the child or just doesn’t want it. On one hand I understand because I wouldn’t want to have anyone experience what it’s like being a single parent, because it is a hard job. On the other hand you have a person that works there that does