Movin' On Up

They say everything happens for a reason. I am a firm believer in that adage. Sometimes things happen unconsciously or by happenstance. Other times things happen because there was motivation to propel the change. Or other times still, someone gets so pissed off at the world they put down their foot and say "enough is enough".

A few months ago I had the fortune of resigning as a moderator on Canadian Parents Online. It seemed to those who operated the forum that my no-nonsense approach and brutal and uncensored honesty were too much for them to handle. The powers that be cowered like dogs being scolded when they read a reply given by me to another provider regarding an incident wherein the provider was being abusive to a child in her care. At the time of this incident I viewed the situation as unfortunate. I had the misguided notion that leaving a forum like CPO would no longer allow me to help other providers. How wrong I was. What I didn't realize at the time was how anger could be a very strong motivator.

Since the time of that incident I have had many opportunities to reflect on what it is I want in this world. I know what I want for myself, my family and for all children. For myself I want peace of mind and satisfaction. For my family I want health and happiness. And for all children I want an ingrained sense of self-worth and personal accomplishment. The next step in my time of self-reflection was to incorporate a plan into action to see my desires come to fruition. In short, it dawned on me that I wanted to start a movement.

The words 'starting a movement' sound like a cliche from a bad movie. I can not, however, think of a more fitting term. I wanted to start a movement that incorporates what I know, what I do, and who I am, to encourage and support others to do the same. So, I got to work and took the first step.

Over the past few weeks I have been diligently working on a website. This is a monumental task for me as I am far from the web-savvy computer geek you might find feverishly typing in HTML and BBC code. But, as they say, if you want something bad enough you will find a way to make it work. And I did.

Last week I launched the forum area of the Daycare Provider Connection. For those of you who have not yet registered and joined our fantastic community of providers you may do so here - DCPC. I am currently completing the other areas which will incorporate this blog and an information, or, introductory page. The last area of the site will be a coaching area. I plan to launch opportunities for coaching pertaining to the business side of daycare in January 2010. Coaching will be inexpensive and informative. It is my desire that all daycare providers be business women first and foremost. Never again should a provider find herself stiffed for payment or spoken to in a belligerent manner from a parent. Never again.

I am starting a movement. No longer is it acceptable to me to find daycare providers who are underpaid and disrespected. It is no longer acceptable to me for providers to worry how they are going to pay their bills while delinquent parents drive brand new SUV's. No more.

Perhaps my movement will consist of one person - me. I'm okay with that. I am a firm believer in the power of one. ONE person can change the world. I do hope, however, that others will join me. I hope that we can collectively put our feet down and demand more; demand what we are worth and deserve.

The movement starts now. The only question that remains is; will this be a movement of one or of many?





For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca