Seventh grade English students learn to think critically, speak powerfully, and write effectively. On Monday, Jan. 13, students learned how these skills apply to advocacy. Daisy Dimatos, a CF alumna from the Class of 2023, gave a presentation entitled "Self-Advocacy: Using Your Voice to Make Change." In this presentation, Daisy discussed the many opportunities for students to use their voices to make change. Daisy credits her interest in advocacy to her Chenango Forks Middle and High School experiences in organizations like Student Council, Class Officers, InterAct, Girl Scouts, Envirothon, and Science Olympiad. She continues her advocacy as a Binghamton University student by participating in events to support various causes, such as Student Empowerment Day at the Capitol Building in Albany. Daisy shared her passion for raising disability awareness and made it very personal for students when she stated, "Disability is an interesting demographic. It is the only minority group that anyone can join at any time…and disabilities are not always visible."
Daisy explained to students that advocacy doesn't have to be making speeches; it can be as simple as participating in a 5K to support a good cause, volunteering at an animal shelter, or standing up for someone being bullied. Daisy said, "It's important to know that there is no minimum age to begin using your voice to make change." She added, "People think advocacy has to involve a lot of public speaking and be some massive undertaking. But it doesn’t. Advocacy can be anything you do that you put effort into, that is meant to improve something, show your own beliefs, educate people, or help your community." She then gave specific advice: "Look around your community. What do you see a need for? Go into it with the intent to help others – or yourself." During the Q&A session, students were able to ask questions. One common theme was about college life and making friends. Daisy suggested, "Find something you love – and do it. Or just find something you like! College is a great time to explore your interests, but you don’t have to wait until then to start using your voice for things you’re passionate about!"
