How I Used to Fight Human Trafficking vs. How I Fight Human Trafficking Now
I used to fight human trafficking differently than I used to. Here’s how I changed and why.
Spectrum of Belief About Justice Issues: Art of Advocacy
Is it possible that not everyone shares the same level of beliefs you do for a cause you support? Too often activists and those striving to love others assume everything is black and white. But an important part of doing good advocacy work is recognizing that there is...
What Happens Between Tijuana and San Diego
What happens between two cities? When you are growing into a world changer, how does one find purpose? And do we ever arrive?
Make a Difference Sticker & 2022 Reader Survey
Hello you! I've been trying not to hustle too much with work this November with #NoHustleNovember. As I've been going slow, I thought it was a good time to figure out what content you'd like from me at Average Advocate. I might make some big changes based off your...
Why Come Alongside the Iranian Women?
What’s going on with the Iranian women and how can we help?
Bravery In Ordinary World Changing
Are you also an ordinary person who wants to change the world?
10 Myths About Being an Everyday Advocate
What types of activism and advocacy myths have you believed? Check these out to learn to do good better!
What Women Learn From the Magazine Rack
What do magazines teach women? Let’s take a look at how girls are shaped.
When Surgery Doesn’t Go As Planned (Lupus #14)
Sometimes things don't go as planned. Including surgery. So how does one cope? Here are some of my surgery memes today to help me cope with the fact this didn't go as planned. After all, laughter is always great medicine. Why Surgery? Remember this post awhile back?...
Courage to Live (Lupus #13)
Can we live courageously when it is easier to just not live? From a woman who will not let lupus overtake her.
Mini Essays: Roe vs. Wade, Support Group and the Question
Three things to be cautious of and equip you in the abortion vs. pro-life debate. (From a woman hemorrhaging blood, who had an unplanned pregnancy and almost died from it this year)
A Blessing For Your Body
Here is a blessing to you
Healing from Postpartum Depression, Anxiety and PTSD (Lupus and Pregnancy #12)
The Struggle of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: Honesty I'm not a good liar, but somehow I still manage to deceive myself. Being honest to ourselves, in safe community, and before God is one of those key elements of being fully alive while we change the world. This...
Poem: Waiting (Pregnancy and Lupus #10)
On waiting for the arrival and kairos, the appointed time
Using Social Media to Make a Difference
How can changemakers use social media to make a difference? Check out this interview with social media expert, Megan Ericson to learn how.
My New Job: Lupus in Pregnancy #9
"Well, I did tell you that if you continued this pregnancy, it would become your new part-time job," my OB said with a smile. As I look at this week's schedule, I'm really feeling that "new job that I didn't want" thing. (Note: the following was written a few weeks...
Making A Difference Through Proximity
Proximity is powerful.It shouldn't surprise us to know that there is a direct correlation between distance and influence. As we want to make a difference, we must keep proximity in mind! How Proximity Works In gratitude for all who have been serving and blessing my...
3 Questions Know What To do With Needs: An Example Based on Afghan Refugees
Three questions to ask when confronted by needs, like these of Afghan refugees in my area
Where In the Story? Lupus in Pregnancy Update #6
Lupus Update in Pregnancy? What’s the real story of having a flare with SLE? Here’s the real narrative.
Not the Baby Announcement I Planned (Lupus #2)
This wasn't the baby announcement I had planned. Many of you know I am in the hospital. A couple weeks ago I was diagnosed with THE DESPICABLE systemic lupus erythematosus, currently attacking my kidneys, subcutaneous lupus, and autoimmune hair loss. Yet not all of...
How to Help: Afghanistan
How can we help the crisis in Afghanistan? I’ve spent the last month researching ways everyday people can be involved!
Did Jesus Welcome – Join Me!
Did Jesus welcome immigrants and refugees? What is Christ-like Welcome? Join me at the intersection between faith, politics and justice in discussion!
Advocating Well For the Homeless
What does it look like to advocate well for the homeless? Especially when we are just everyday people? Learn some tips and wisdom here!
Trauma Informed Everyday Advocacy
Ice and coffee exploded over the corner table, running in rivulets to the floor. The woman started alternatively sobbing and screaming as she balled up by the trash bins, wailing "I always ruin everything!" Her friend stood by, somewhat shocked, trying to figure out...
First Day of School Blessing
After a pandemic, there are a lot of feels about kids going back to school. Here is a blessing over the future world changers to pray with me.
Grief in the Harvest: Losing Those You Lead
As leaders, it is hard for us to lose those we've been investing in. In addition, the results of what we've poured into don't look like we've dreamed. Even when the harvest is amazing, there is still often grief in the harvest--not because of what we didn't do, but...
Understanding Foster Care As Changemakers
Have you ever thought “I wonder if we should foster?” or on the flip-side, “I could never foster?” Karly addresses all of this in our #JusticeDaily interview to give us understanding on foster care
How To Foster Generosity
How do we foster generosity in our home, community and world? In this interview with Leah at A Generous Life, we can get a lot of tips on how.
Ten Tools To Raise World Changers
Here are some resources on Average Advocate to empower you to raise world changers
How Stories Heal Us and Prevent Burnout for World Changers
Working through our own stories and triggers are essential as we make a difference if we want to be fully alive and prevent burnout. Check out this interview covering this.
VISITING El Barrio Logan
I took my kids to visit El Barrio Logan. In so many ways, it felt like I had come home. We were out exploring in the city, on the type of adventure we haven't done since COVID-19 began. Beginning in Chicano Park, we began walking through this local site known for...
20 Hacks to Survive Family Dinner
Want to raise world changers? Give your kids confidence with family dinner through these twenty hacks to survive family dinner
Jerusalem Old City Easter Series
Peace Comes at a Price Here's my pic from the alleged Garden of Gethsemane. True, the olive trees in this garden are hundreds of years old. True, they are at the base of the Mount of Olives. And historically true, Jesus spent some of his last hours within a kilometre...
Our Tenth Anniversary with #BOT2021: Faith, Hope & Love
We believe everyone should be free! This is the TENTH year since I started Blackout Trafficking (formerly the Little Black Dress Project). Over these ten years, we've raised just shy $100K for anti-trafficking organizations, mostly the little guys (whom I am...
How I’ve Been Getting Over Jealousy and Insecurity
One thing that I've always really struggled with is a tendency to be jealous and insecure. But recently I've been getting over jealousy and insecurity. Let me tell you how. The Opposite of Confidence Remember that time you felt so awkward that you wanted to crawl into...
Sing Freedom With Blackout Trafficking
Ready to make a difference in the world? Sing freedom, because freedom is the new black.
Everyday People Doing Something About Human Trafficking And Refugees
Can an everyday person make a difference for refugees? Yep. They can! Just as I've seen it happen time and time again with everyday people doing something about human trafficking, I am happy to say everyday people can also help refugees. Last year I was thinking about...
Excavation – Farewell 2020!
Well, we just celebrated the East Coast NYC Ball drop. In California (You've gotta love that three hour time difference when you want to go to bed early!). It was complete with with sparkling apple cider and thrilled kids--especially the youngest who kept toasting his...
Responses When You’re Privileged
Are you privileged in one way or another? If so, you’ve probably experienced one of the three main responses to privilege.
Art of Advocacy: When Faith Buckles & Pouring From Empty
If your faith is buckling, you are feeling drained, burning-out, or empty — this is how to overcome
Want to Bring Freedom to the Exploited (Right Now)?
Ready to do something about exploitation now? Help us find partners or volunteer for Blackout Trafficking!
Five Reasons to Keep Voting (Even When You Lose)
Is it still worth it to vote, even when you will lose? Here are 5 good reasons to keep voting as justice advocates!
RESOURCES To Talk To Kids About Racism
Do you need book ideas to talk with your kids about racism?
Kids Books To Raise World Changers
Gosh, these days I feel like I'm getting books on all sides! There are six of us and between our school stuff, work, responsibilities and especially our interests, we are going through books like crazy! In these stacks are some good books to raise world changers that...
Is Your Welcome Backwards?
It took me awhile before I realized the "Welcome" sign was backwards. Sometimes in our lives we have it backwards too. We find ourselves welcoming ourselves. Welcoming ourselves feels silly when there are others looking for this sign hanging on their doors (or...
SUICIDE Prevention Day: It was Hard Before Coronavirus
Yep, 2020 has been a doozy, but for us, it started before the COVID-19. The first days were tense and full of prayers. The first week was heartbreaking. The first month was incredibly challenging, like pulling someone up a mountain. For those who struggle with...
#KindnessQuest 3.0 Road Trip
Do you love to go on road trips? We just got back from one chock-full of intentional acts of kindness, our #KindnessQuest 3.0! What is a #KindnessQuest? What is a #KindnessQuest? I am glad you asked! Let me tell you how it began. For many years my family has been...
Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Homeschooling
If you’ve been schooling at home this Spring or considering homeschool for next year because of COVID-19, I am excited for you. And a little scared. As Dickens says, “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” One thing for sure is that you have a lot of...
7 Writers of Hope on Racism
This is part of the series, Your Voice on Racism. Do you have a story to share? We need to hear it! Consider submitting it here! ____________________________________________________ (This posts might include affiliate links, which means I could receive a small gift...
Not Every Mama Feels Born to Mom
Not every mama feels born to mom . . . when you want to make a difference in the world and be outside your home but are also a parent.
3 Tips to Be a Peacemaker
When the world is crazy or when we care about something a lot, how do we do advocacy well. Here are three tips to be peacemakers!
Art of Advocacy: When It is Time To Cocoon
I've been writing a lot recently to process what has been going on in the United States. Not only have we been dealing with COVID-19, unemployment and politics, but also something dear to my heart, racism. In my lifetime, the issue of racism has never been brought...
30 Mental Health Apps To Create Safe Spaces
Here are more than 30 mental health apps to help create safe spaces and support in recovery, mental health challenges, and can help you make a difference in your home
What is a Refugee?
What is a refugee? Here are the basics, simply stated, for everyday people who might want to care
Journal Through Change Challenge: Pandemic Processing
Scrolling hours mindlessly through social media. Watching Tiger King (again). Snapped again at the kids because they can’t get their dang school from home project done. You keep hiding in the bathroom. It is 4pm. Your morning coffee has been reheated ten times....
Human Trafficking Meets COVID-19
What is happening with trafficking and the coronavirus? Here are some changes in the anti-trafficking world as human trafficking meets COVID-19.
20 Ways To Love Others During COVID-19
I put together a list of 20 Ways to Love Others During the COVID-19 because I think we need it. From what I can see, we are all a little thrown off-guard, want to help, and aren't sure what to do. *Note, since writing this I've been adding more ideas on how...
10 Ethical Fair Trade Gifts Under $10
Ever have a hard time finding cheap ethically made, sustainable and socially good gifts to give? Check out these 10 ethical fair trade gifts under $10!
Work: Impostor Syndrome Pt.3
Impostor Syndrome Pt.3 Work. I've never worked a 9-5 job. I've never made a paycheck that would keep me afloat. My family, then school, then missions (which was pretty much my family), and then my husband (young love) has always paid most of my bills. I don't...
Dear Socrates: The Unexamined Life
Socrates didn’t go far enough with his “unexamined life” quote. Does our very survival depend on it?
CATEGORIES
Adventure
Popular
Swamp Wisdom: An Ecclesiastes on Human Rights
Intentional Acts of KindnessCan you do them all?!If you need ideas to help you start doing...
Busy Moms, Community, Family & Relationships, Raising Kids
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Storm Chaser; Change Chaser: On Saying Goodbye
How Can Anyone Say Goodbye? I’m starting to feel all panicky that I am leaving all my...
Anthropology Psychology Sociology, Mental Health, Recovery, Safe Spaces
PopularUnderstanding Terms for Poor Nations vs. Rich Nations
Terms of Poverty Whether in public political addresses or in pleas from non-profits, we have all heard some of these terms thrown around at some point or another. But just because we can infer their general meaning, I...
Ethical Fashion, Fair Trade Products, Giving Back, Socially Conscious Brands
Top Rated
Everyday People Doing Something About Human Trafficking And Refugees
Can an everyday person make a difference for refugees? Yep. They can! Just as I’ve seen it...
Children-in-Need, Clean Water, Conflicts, Wars, Genocides and Atrocities, Global Health, Good Charities, Helping that Doesn't Hurt, Human Rights, Poverty, Refugees and Immigration, Seeking Justice, United States
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How Politics Pushed Me To Only Buy Ethically Sourced Clothes
It might be hard to believe, but it has been two years since our last presidential election....
Human Trafficking, Sex Trafficking
Top Rated
Want to Bring Freedom to the Exploited (Right Now)?
Ready to do something about exploitation now? Help us find partners or volunteer for Blackout Trafficking!
Leadership
LatestSpectrum of Belief About Justice Issues: Art of Advocacy
Family Summer Challenge ChecklistChecklists? I love 'em!First NameJohnLast NameSmithYour emailjohnsmith@example.comSubmitI've read and accept the terms & conditions5 Phases of Rising UpReady to rise up? See where you are on...
Spiritual Discipleship
Latest
What Happens Between Tijuana and San Diego
What happens between two cities? When you are growing into a world changer, how does one find purpose? And do we ever arrive?
Life Purpose, Live Intentionally, Personal Growth, Productivity
Latest
What Happens Between Tijuana and San Diego
What happens between two cities? When you are growing into a world changer, how does one find purpose? And do we ever arrive?
How I Used to Fight Human Trafficking vs. How I Fight Human Trafficking Now
I used to fight human trafficking differently than I used to. Here’s how I changed and why.
Spectrum of Belief About Justice Issues: Art of Advocacy
Family Summer Challenge ChecklistChecklists? I love 'em!First NameJohnLast NameSmithYour emailjohnsmith@example.comSubmitI've read and accept the terms & conditions5 Phases of Rising UpReady to rise up? See where you are on...
What Happens Between Tijuana and San Diego
What happens between two cities? When you are growing into a world changer, how does one find purpose? And do we ever arrive?
Make a Difference Sticker & 2022 Reader Survey
Family Summer Challenge ChecklistChecklists? I love 'em!First NameJohnLast NameSmithYour emailjohnsmith@example.comSubmitI've read and accept the terms & conditions5 Phases of Rising UpReady to rise up? See where you are on...
Why Come Alongside the Iranian Women?
What’s going on with the Iranian women and how can we help?
Bravery In Ordinary World Changing
Are you also an ordinary person who wants to change the world?
If the idea of "purpose" always seemed a little vague to you or you don't have a lot of time to spare, this is for you!
Purpose Roadmap: Discover A Story Worth Living is a free mini-workbook with seven-destination points to help you intentionally choose what you want to let motivate you in life. I'm all about empower everyday people like you to know where to start in all of life's craziness to begin discovering your best role to change the world without burning out.