Speak Up, Stand Out: The Power of Self-Advocacy
A journey to finding your voice and embracing your worth.
by Dr. Stacia Alexander
Moving Into Your Future Symposium
Texas Can Academy
March 2025
What is Self-Advocacy?
1
Speak up confidently
2
Express needs and boundaries
3
Take ownership of choices
4
Know your worth
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
Builds confidence
Develops self-respect
Navigates life situations
School, work, relationships
Ensures your voice is heard
In crucial moments
Prepares for leadership
Fosters independence
My Self-Advocacy Journey
1
Age 15
Loud but struggled to communicate my vulnerable emotions
2
Learning boundaries
Compromised for the wrong people
3
Overcoming fear
Facing uncertainty and feeling lost
4
Key lesson
Self-advocacy builds over time
The 4 Quadrants of Self-Advocacy
Self-Care
Mental health and well-being needs
1
Professional
Worth in school, jobs, leadership
2
Relationships
Healthy boundaries and communication
3
Spiritual
Trusting a higher power, trusting yourself, and being grounded in values
4
Activity – "I Am, I Deserve, I Will, I Trust"
I am...
Self-care affirmation
I deserve...
Professional worth statement
I will...
Relationship boundary
I trust...
Spiritual grounding
How to Speak Up with Confidence
Know what to say
Be clear and direct
Use a strong voice
Speak with certainty
Stand firm
Don't let others dismiss you
Practice regularly
It gets easier with time
Real-World Self-Advocacy Scenarios
Asking for help
At school or work
Setting boundaries
With friends and family
Speaking up
When treated unfairly
Expressing beliefs
Without fear
Final Takeaways
1
Inspire others
Your advocacy empowers yourself and others
2
Clarity over volume
Be firm, not necessarily loud
3
Know your worth
You deserve to be heard | Understand the balance of power
4
Use your voice
Self-advocacy is empowerment
Closing & Q&A
Share your takeaway
What will you implement?
Remember: Your voice matters
Use it boldly
Thank you!
For your participation
Dr. Stacia' Alexander, LPC-S
www.StaciaAlexander.com