Amanda Listens’
A space to share my thoughts, concerns, dreams, and aspirations for advocacy and social change.
Blog
Intersectionality is Critical in Advocacy and Activism
In the advocacy and activism space, the concept of intersectionality comes up frequently to encourage people to consider different perspectives and experiences to improve the process from a place of understanding and collaboration. Learn how you can incorporate intersectionality into your advocacy and activism work
Justice for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility | Art Piece
Like many people who work in the space of social justice and change, the situation in the United States is difficult to watch as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is being removed from their policies. Check out the art piece and the feelings that has come up from the situation.
Advocating for Social Justice: Existing in a Society That is Not Made For You
Advocating for social justice issues that you yourself also experience is a balancing act that takes a lot of energy and effort. Learn from my experience of trying to improve accessibility while also experiencing the barriers can be difficult and the lessons I learned along the way.
We Live in a Society That is not Built for Disabled People | A Reflection
Read my reflection of a keynote speech that I attended on International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, further seeing how the current society is not for disabled people yet.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is coming up on December 3rd, 2024. This year’s theme is Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.
What YOU need to know about the disability community
What do you think when you see the words “disability community”? Come explore what the disability community is and why it is important to know the intersectionality and differences within the community.
Accessibility is Not “Extra Steps” | Disrupt the Status Quo
The attitude of status quo in accessibility is the concept of “extra steps” in the process. This is a mindset that requires rethinking of the processes that exists, especially with information. Read how it is not "extra steps."
Trying To Do It All?: How To Balance Advocacy with Life
Part of advocacy is knowing when you can contribute and when you may need to take a step back for your own needs. Learn the lessons and advice on balancing advocacy with life.
Connecting Community and Action
There are many ways that can be the motivation to take action. Most of the influences are connected to the community you are involved in. Learn more about how the connection to community and help people take action!
Youth Are Important!
Youth have much to contribute on different issues that exist within society and globally. With the different skills, experiences, and motivations as they will be the next leaders, activists, and global citizens to move in a positive direction.
Time to Take Action! Tips for Starting Out
Do you want to take action on the issues you care about? Read this blog post to learn about activism and advocacy and some tips to help sustain your efforts.
Factors that Impact Policy Change
In order to act for change, understanding of what factors affects policy change is crucial to the success of action. Learn about the different factors as a starting point to examine the potential impact for social change.
Importance of Access Awareness Week
2024 Access Awareness Weeks is from May 26th to June 1st. In Canada, there are many weeks that are happenning to work toward improve accessibility and inclusion. Learn more about what AAWNS means and NAAW.
Take Action on Accessibility: How to Navigate Different Needs and Structures
When it comes to accessibility and disability inclusion, most people think they are doing the “standard” of what is expected from them. However, it requires taking initiative to improve access in our community. Learn how to navigate the structures that currently exists and how to reframe thinkig about accessibility.
Communicating Change: A Key Component to Action
Part of advocacy and activism is showing the impact you have made. In the era of digital technology, the approaches of communications has expanded with an emphasis on social media. However, there are many ways communication is needed to take action that goes beyond showing impact.
6 Qualities to Design a Better World
There are many ways to contribute to taking action. However, there are qualities tht can make taking action to design a better world a little easier (and more fun). Read to see what the 6 qualities are.
Importance of Policies to Take Effective Action
When you need to make decisions that affects someone’s needs and rights, policies and procedures are develop to meet the gaps that exist in our society. Learn how important it is to know about the policy process to effectively take action.
Is The “Best Approach” How We Should Be Developing Our Policies?
We are always looking for the “best approach.” From our personal lives to policy decision-making, there is pressure to make the most optimal decision. But, should it be how we approach solving problems in our communities? Read more to see why this idea exists and why it may also cause issues when improving society.
Feel Like More Impact: Group Advocacy vs. Individual Advocacy
When doing advocacy and activism, there is always a wonder and push to make the most impact for change. Read to explore the perceived notions of impact and making change with the common question of working with a group, or working as an individual.
There is one thing you really need to know about accessibility
There are many things to know about accessibility. However, there is one thing that people forget or choose not to consider when designing and making decisions surrounding access and accommodations.