Objectives
- Define self-advocacy and personal agency.
- Compose clear, respectful requests verbally and in writing.
- Plan how to communicate needs proactively.
Preparation: Prepare one model professional email to display for structure and tone.
| Stage | Time | Purpose & Activity | Instructor Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Kick-Off | 2-3 min | Prompt: "When have you wanted to ask for help but didn't—why?" | Normalize hesitation. Explain that strong professionals ask early to avoid larger issues later. |
| 2. Core Concepts | 5-7 min | Define Self-Advocacy, Personal Agency, and Professional Request. | Instructor Modeling: Act out two examples—a defensive ask ("Why didn't you explain that?") vs. a composed one ("Could you clarify step two?"). Discuss tone and respect. |
| 3. Guided Work Time | 12-15 min | Tier 1: "Ask with Confidence" – identify one support needed (class, work, life), draft a short verbal request, and practice aloud with a peer. Tier 2: "Advocacy Plan Workshop" – identify a personal or academic goal, list barriers and supports, write a short Advocacy Email asking for feedback, mentoring, or opportunity. | Offer sentence starters ("I'd appreciate if…," "Could we schedule…"). Emphasize gratitude and professionalism. Circulate to check tone—encourage assertive, not apologetic language. |
| 4. Reflection / Exit Ticket | 2-3 min | "How can respectful advocacy open doors for you?" | Reinforce link to leadership and agency. |