The Value of Multiple Perspectives in Advocacy
The Value of Multiple Perspectives in Advocacy underscores the importance of advocacy that sees the larger system while working within a local context. The three perspectives described are “practitioner advocate,” “field-builder advocate,” and “policy advocate.” Each group has its constituents, from teachers to corporate citizens to national advocacy coalitions. Effective advocacy is accomplished by understanding first where you are, then embracing perspectives beyond your own.
In visual art, the term perspective is used when drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point. A perspective drawing shows the viewer what is seen or experienced from a singular point of view.
Perspective is also defined more broadly as having a particular point of view. What do we see from where we are standing? What might we see if we shift positions? Will that shift in perspective lead to greater understanding? Will it lead to action?
Where Do You Stand?
It begins with us: who we are, what we know, and how we see and experience our work. Whether you are an:
Arts educator, working everyday to advance students’ creative learning experiences;
Artist, creating meaningful connections in your community;
Administrator, working on policy and programmatic levers that will advance educational and social change through the arts and culture —
Your perspective is valid.
Dance Floor AND Balcony Perspective
In Leadership on the Line, Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky use a balcony and dance floor metaphor to describe a multi-focused perspective.
“Let’s say you are dancing in a big ballroom with a balcony up above…. Most of your attention focuses on your dance partner…. You let yourself be carried away by the music, your partner, and the moment. But if you had gone up to the balcony and looked down on the dance floor, you might have seen a very different picture. You would have noticed all sorts of patterns…. Achieving a balcony perspective means taking yourself out of the dance, in your mind, even if only for a moment. The only way you can gain both a clearer view of reality and some perspective on the bigger picture is by distancing yourself from the fray.” (Heifetz and Linsky, 2002, p. 53.)
Connect Multiple Points of View to Advocacy
With a multitude of perspectives and an increased awareness from both the balcony and the dance floor, it is time for casemakers and systems-changers to combine their perspectives to drive the changes they wish to see. Here are four strategies for connecting multiple points of view and enhancing your ability to see the bigger picture while acting locally.
Enhance your perspective: Take on the role of observer; set up rigorous data systems; establish solid channels of communication.
Own your expertise: Claim your knowledge and experience and share with others; create compelling narratives
Embrace learning: Take advantage of learning opportunities at the local, state, and national level
Commit to action: Experience the bigger picture; look for patterns in behavior or decision making, relationships and power dynamics, and pathways or processes that are visible only from a distance.
We all have an important role to play in the creative education of our youth. We can better advance our cause through multiple perspectives. Balcony and dance floor.
Read the full article HERE.