In research and journalism, and one would think, in most businesses too, anyone publishing an article or story, setting up a business, or applying for a new research grant, would have done a significant amount of research into the topic, so that 1) it is based on facts, 2) so as not to reinvent the wheel, and 3) to ensure they are published or get their grant application approved and funded.

This is really basic stuff, yet in business, and in dementia advocacy, it appears to me, we all need to take stock, look back at the history of advocacy (for example, the past work of self advocates and the wealthy charities), to ensure we are not just repeating things that so far, research and reports prove have not worked.

Have a voice, always, as we can all contribute to changing the world, even just a little bit, but I do recommend we all do our research first, as well as recognise and acknowledge the pioneers before you, and the work done before you…

Don’t be that mouse on the treadmill, taking advocacy around, and around, and around, going nowhere. Whatever it is you are advocating for (or against), it is almost a guarantee, you were not the first one to think of it.