We were lucky to catch up with Allison Oliver, PhD and Christine Lewis, PhD, LPC (MS), NCC, NCSC recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Oliver and Dr. Lewis, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
We found our purpose collaboratively in being a resource for families and organizations in the community through a combination of identifying community needs, recognizing our own expertise, and aligning our values with the goal of making a positive impact. We conducted informal needs assessments through talking to one another about the challenges marginalized families and organizations in the community often face. By leveraging our knowledge and skills in areas such as advocacy, consulting, or related fields, we realized we could effectively support and empower these groups. We have an innate passion for social justice and community development, which influenced our decision to become a resource for families and organizations in need.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At The League of Advocates Consulting Agency, our primary focus is to provide support and resources to families and organizations in the community. We offer free consultations to help individuals navigate various challenges they may face and develop effective strategies for advocating for themselves. What makes our work especially exciting and special is the opportunity to witness the transformative power of empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills they need to create positive change.
One aspect that sets us apart is our commitment to professional development and workshops. We understand that ongoing learning is crucial for personal growth and success in advocacy. Therefore, we offer tailored professional development sessions upon request, covering topics such as effective communication, policy advocacy, and community organizing. These workshops aim to enhance individuals’ capacity to advocate for their rights and drive meaningful change in their communities.
The founding story of The League of Advocates Consulting Agency is rooted in the passion of two dedicated educators. Recognizing the challenges faced by families and organizations, we were driven by a strong desire to make a difference in the community. By equipping families with the tools and knowledge needed to advocate for themselves, we aimed to empower individuals to have a voice and actively participate in shaping their own lives.
At our agency, we believe that everyone deserves access to support and resources that can positively impact their lives. We are committed to fostering inclusivity, equity, and social justice through our work. Whether it’s helping families navigate educational systems, supporting community organizations in policy advocacy, or empowering individuals to become effective advocates, we are dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
In summary, The League of Advocates Consulting Agency is a resource hub that provides free consultations, offers professional development opportunities, and is driven by the passion of its founders to empower families and organizations in the community. We strive to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to advocate for themselves and create positive change in their communities.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
We believe that what makes us remain steadfast in this “heart work” is our ability to be empathetic, service-driven individuals. We advocate for equitable rights across settings in the community and encourage others to take the same just stand. Our methods are evidence-based yet rooted in love and understanding. For people early in their journey of birthing something new and innovative, we advise them to not enter into any business or venture solely for fiscal gain as we are firm believers in allowing your purpose to push you. We also advise others to be receptive to receive advisement and digest varied perspectives. True growth comes in being able to be teachable and reflective. While we know our skillset is solid and well-informed, we pride ourselves in being lifelong learners and seekers of knowledge. We aim to not waste time on focusing on issues beyond our control, but rather we focus on actionable steps and areas where we can make a tangible impact. By doing so, we always maximize our efforts and resources to effect meaningful change. It’s important to recognize the limitations of our influence and prioritize our energy on areas where we can make a difference.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The combination of The Four Agreements and The Bible have provided valuable wisdom that informs our service and practice. These nuggets of wisdom have been instrumental in shaping our approach:
The Four Agreements: One of the most impactful teachings from The Four Agreements is to “Be impeccable with your word.” This emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully, avoiding gossip or harmful speech, and using our words to uplift and inspire others. It reminds us of the power of our language and the responsibility we have to use it in a way that promotes positivity, respect, and understanding.
The Bible: The teachings of love and compassion found in the Bible have greatly influenced our service and practice. The commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself” reminds us of the intrinsic worth and dignity of every individual. It inspires us to approach our work with empathy, kindness, and a genuine desire to help and serve others, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The Four Agreements: Another valuable nugget of wisdom from The Four Agreements is to “Don’t take anything personally.” This teaching encourages us to detach from the opinions and actions of others, understanding that they often stem from their own experiences, beliefs, and perceptions. It reminds us not to internalize negativity or let it hinder our commitment to serving others. Instead, we strive to approach interactions with grace, understanding, and a focus on finding common ground.
The Bible: The principle of justice found in the Bible guides our service and practice. Proverbs 31:9 urges us to “speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the poor and needy.” This call to advocate for those who are marginalized or disadvantaged inspires us to work towards creating a more just and equitable society. It reminds us of our duty to stand up against injustice, promote equality, and amplify the voices of those who are often unheard.
These nuggets of wisdom from The Four Agreements and The Bible have shaped our service and practice by emphasizing the importance of integrity in our words and actions, cultivating a spirit of love and compassion, maintaining resilience in the face of challenges, and advocating for justice. They guide us in providing service that is grounded in truth, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose, helping us create a positive and transformative impact in the lives of those we serve.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: theleagueofadvocates
- Facebook: theleagueofadvocates
- Linkedin: Christine Lewis; Allison Oliver
- Twitter: @LeagueAdvocates
