Turning Stories Into Results: Effectively Using Advocacy to Create Legislative Change in Congress

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

11:15 AM – 12:30 PM

Location: A311-312 GWCC

Presenter(s)

Ryan L. Greenstein

Associate Director, Advocacy, Overdose Prevention Initiative
Global Health Advocacy Incubator
Washington, DC
Libby Jones, M.Sc.

Project Director, Overdose Prevention Initiative
Global Health Advocacy Incubator
Washington, DC
Emily Duhovny Silverberg

Legislative Director
Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20)
McLean, VA

Moderator(s)

Sherman A. Brown, MPA

Partner
McCarthy Strategic Solutions
N/A
Frankfort, Kentucky

There are 435 members of Congress and countless issues and advocates competing for their attention. How do you ensure your member is a champion for legislation that will reduce overdoses in the United States? This session will describe how advocates can best use personal experiences to move forward effective change in Congress. The session will also provide an overview of existing advocacy opportunities and coalitions and expected substance use priorities for the 118th Congress and Biden administration.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss the current dynamics and expected priorities of the 118th Congress related to access to substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction, and reducing stigma
Describe effective strategies and opportunities for engaging with members of Congress and their staff and participating in national coalitions
Explain how impactful stories can be used to persuade policymakers to implement evidence-based policy changes