Episode 07: A life of activism

Gloria’s retirement speech

 I began working as a patient rights advocate after doing civil rights class actions and other lawsuits. (I thought when I was working with farmworker and their families that I was working with the most vulnerable people in this country. That changed when I began this job.)

I thought I would share the following with you all:

Common sense contributed to my safety in the units.

Obtaining knowledge of community resources and networking with facility staff helped me help clients

Reading and staying updated on policies and laws constantly added to my book of advocacy.

But having Humility and Empathy is what has always guided my advocacy.

And the everyday challenges to change old rules/policies gave me the strength to continue all these years.

Sitting at the table across from the Police chief and challenging his policies helped him understand the need for training for the cops.

Learning cross-cultural training allowed me to see the beauty of each person. A simple bow at the waist can bring many smiles. A simple hello shows humanity you care.

I credit the ability to look outside the box as the gift I treasure the most because sometimes that old box is what is keeping us doing the same over and over.

So to all of you whom I have had interaction with it, over the many years, I want to thank you for sharing the knowledge and I send you a big abrazo. I know that we walked the same path of seeking justice for our clients.

Stay strong, don’t give up, people count on you. Share the love for humanity everywhere you go.