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I pledge to be an advocate of the child. I pledge to regard each new child that I meet with a little bit more understanding. Equipped with new knowledge and skills from this training, I will apply all that I have learned to discover the needs of the child laborers I will meet. I will use all that I know.
I pledge to talk with them, to laugh with them, to feel in my heart the tears in their innocent eyes.
I affirm that every single child laborer I meet is singularly important. I affirm that each one is unique. But I also recognize that all these children are the same: they are all powerless to lighten their burdens except perhaps through me. I will not underestimate the significance of even the smallest gesture, like inquiring how he is, or telling him a funny story, or offering a candy. I will remember that big things come from little steps. That step I will take one day at a time.
I will use my unique vantage position as a labor inspector to acknowledge the children's needs, to make employers aware of those needs, to explore ways of making their conditions better. I will help educate parents whenever possible. I will network with other child advocates in my area. I will get acquainted with my resources and mazimize them. I will tell people about the ills of child labor. I will be creative, resourceful, and innovative in my approaches.
I believe I am well-trained to fulfill my role with a bit more effectiveness, efficiency, and skill. Above all, I believe that I know how to translate my compassion into concrete, do-able, workable little steps, one child at a time, one day at a time.
I covenant with you all and with myself that I WILL BE AN ADVOCATE OF THE CHILD.
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