Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of virtually attending the North America Career Week Celebration: Advocacy in Action – Amplifying Career Development in a Changing World. This inspiring event was a collaboration between the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF), CERIC, and the National Career Development Association (US). The discussions were rich with ideas and strategies for advocacy, culminating in a thought-provoking question:
"We are career developers—what impact can we have in advocacy work?"
One panelist’s response stood out:
"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." (This quote is often attributed to the Dalai Lama or cited as an African proverb.)
It’s a powerful reminder that even small actions can make a big impact. So, why not be the mosquito? By advocating for your work and raising awareness, you can amplify the amazing support you’re already providing to the people you help.
Sareena Hopkins from CCDF shared three clear calls to action that beautifully capture the advocacy message—and they align perfectly with what we heard at last week’s ASPECT Conference. Sareena’s calls to action are a good start:
- Read the “Hidden Sector, Hidden Talent: Mapping Canada’s Career Development Sector” report to find your place in the sector.
- Read and sign “An open letter to policy and industry leaders about how to support Canadian workforce transitions”
- Share and invite colleagues to read and sign the open letter.
Additional Resources:
I understand that it’s a lot to take in, but with these tools, you can make a difference. So, go forward and be the mosquito!
Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT BC
