Why “Free-Range” Advocate
After being an advocate for the past 5 years, interacting with various organizations, I realized that I work best when not restrained by a board or other members. They want me to be a part of the organization but on their terms. Recently I had an organization offer me a board position and would pay my travel to Austin but I would not be allowed to advocate for anything. Directly from the paperwork:“(Insert the Org name) does not lobby or advocate for state or local legislation.” My reaction was basically, then what the hell do you need me for? I politely declined since it would be a waste of the organizations resources for me to not be able to advocate for the issues effecting Texas veterans, families and survivors. Another time, I was in a committee meeting listening to people drone on about researching and delaying health care for toxic exposure veterans until causality is established. I blurted out that “we have too many that are sick and dying to wait on 10 to 20 years of research”. I am very glad I did because it caused a moment of silence followed by a redirection of the conversation to getting toxic exposure related coverage for veterans. I was later scolded by someone in the organization that I was representing for “speaking out of turn”. Another organization got irritated with me because I would not publicly endorse a political party or a candidate. 95% of the issues that I choose to champion are Federal bipartisan or nonpartisan issues, and the remaining 5% are State bipartisan or nonpartisan issues. When Advocating, I will always side with the military community instead of the political parties.
One of the organizations that I have volunteered with and will continue to work with as long as they will have me, is called Veteran Warriors and they have been great, giving me the freedom to speak my mind. However, their focus is needed on issues that are more legal and medical in nature than I am currently qualified to assist with at this time. I am not a certified VA Claims expert, I do not have a formal medical or legal education or degrees. I am working on learning to be a certified VA Claim expert and as much as I can about all things legislative.
I do have an innate ability to find Kudzu or unintended effects or consequences of legislation. I have the ability to ferret out all kinds of data and information when given a puzzle piece, internet access, and time to research. I have the ability to think critically and strategically about any issue. I have the ability to communicate in a polite, bipartisan, and logical way. As a Free Range Advocate, I will be able to say the things that others won’t or can’t.
