RESCHEDULED Advocacy: From Self to State

**RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 13 TO DECEMBER 15**

Despite the advancement of the recovery and peer support movements, behavioral health stigma, stereotypes, and human rights violations persist on a daily basis.

That’s why we need passionate and informed voices to speak up for their rights and the rights of peers in communities and statewide. We need voices like yours.

Whether you’re testing the waters of advocacy or are already out there working for change, VOCAL’s Advocacy: From Self to State training will provide you with the practical tools and knowledge to jumpstart or further your advocacy efforts.

This two-and-a-half-hour training will take a tiered approach to the three main areas of advocacy: self-advocacy, grassroots advocacy, and legislative advocacy

Topics include:

• The importance of advocacy in our lives

• Promoting and supporting your self-interests and wellbeing

• Knowing yourself and your rights

• Caring for your communities of choice with grassroots advocacy

• Providing public testimony during the General Assembly: do’s & don’ts

• Building relationships with representatives - why should we?

• And more

The training will provide participants with vital information to spur effective advocacy and opportunities to practice and discuss advocacy with peers. In this way, VOCAL will prepare you for real-world advocacy.

So, be bold. Be brave. Be VOCAL.

All VOCAL trainings are "first come, first serve." We encourage all interested individuals to register as soon as possible in order to secure a seat in the training.

VOCAL is able offer a limited number of income-based, no-cost tickets to this event. If you think you might qualify, contact Jessica Daggett, REACH Program Director at jessica@vocalvirginia.org for an application.

This training will be co-facilitated by Martin Mash, VOCAL’s Network Program Director, and Jessica Daggett, VOCAL’s REACH Program Director. Martin has an extensive background in public policy, having served on the staff of former Virginia senator, Jim Webb, as well as currently coordinating and actively participating in VOCAL's advocacy efforts with the General Assembly. Jessica is a CPRS with nine years of experience doing direct peer support in both the public and private sectors, where she frequently worked with peers to effectively self-advocate for a variety of needs. She has also evolved into a seasoned advocate for herself, particularly in clinical concerns, over the last 25+ years with a mental health diagnosis.