Self-Advocacy Thorough
Negotiation

How to advocate successfully

*  An advocate is someone who speaks up and takes action for a cause or a issue.

*  Since you know what you want better than anyone else, you can speak up and take action for issues that are important to you.  When you do this, you are a self-advocate.

*  Sometimes when you advocate you might not get everything that you want.  This is when it's a good idea to negotiate.  A negotiation is what takes place when two or more people do not agree. They can talk to each other to find a way to make every one reach an understanding.  When you learn how to be a good negotiator, you will:

• Solve problems better.
   

• Have a better chance of getting the things you want or need.
   

• Help other people.

How to negotiate

When you meet with someone, there are some things you can do to make negotiation easier:

  1.  Tell the person what you want and why you want it.
 

  2. Ask the person if you can have what you want.

• If the person says "yes" ask the person when you will get it.  Make sure the person writes it down.
   

• If the person says "no" ask why. Tell the person to write down the reason.

  3.  Ask the person what solution he or she has to help you get what you want.

  4. Listen to the solution.

• If you like it, let the person know you agree.  Find out when this solution will happen, and have the person write it down.
   

• If you do not like the solution, have a different solution ready.  Tell the person your idea.

  • If the person likes your solution, ask when you will get what you want.  Have the person write it down.

  • If the person does not like your idea, go back to steps 3 and 4.

Negotiating tips

Here are some other things to remember when you negotiate.

*  Always be prepared and organized.  Bring everything that you think you will need.
*  Try to meet in a place where you feel comfortable.
*  Find out who will be at the meeting ahead of time.  This will help you make your plan.
*  Try to have the meeting with the person who has direct control over what you want.  If you do this, you have a better chance of getting answers on the day of the meeting.  Remember, even though this is the best way, you might not always be able to meet with the person who has the control.
*  If you did not set up the meeting, find out who did.  Ask that person to give you a list of what will be talked about.  This will help you prepare.
*  If you wanted to talk about something that is not on the list, call the person in charge of the meeting.  Ask that person to add your concern.
*  If you are the one who set up the meeting, make a list of the things you want to talk about.  Put them in the order in which you want to talk about them.
*  Bring a tape recorder or take good notes.  This will help you remember what happened at the meeting.
*  Bring someone that you trust with you.  This person can help you feel more comfortable, ask questions and take notes.
*Negotiation can be a very emotional experience.  It is important to remain calm, not raise your voice, and avoid aggressive movements.  Be sure the message is delivered with respect for the person with whom you are negotiating.