Consumer advocacy and leadership: A personal perspective

This article provides a consumer perspective of issues regarding consumer advocacy and leadership based on personal experience. There is often a significant difference between what is expected from leaders in general and what is expected from consumers in leadership roles. There are several barriers to tbe development of strong advocates and leaders that seed to be recognized There is a need to find individuals with leadership potential to facilitate their evolution, and to legitimize as experts those individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge skills, and experience in order to have "local heroes" who can function as role models and mentors.