Advocacy - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

This is Where Change Begins

Welcome to DBSA’s new Advocacy Center which features information that will be useful to health care advocates across the country. There is legislative and advocacy “how to” information for novice and experienced advocates, and tools and resources for everyone that explain the basics and provide tips on how to do effective advocacy.

You will even be able to register to vote and find out the deadline for registration in your state. And Advocacy Tip Sheets offer advice for writing to your elected officials, making visits and making your advocacy more effective. There is something for everyone, so we hope you will take a look. Below is an index to find specific information quickly – however, we encourage to instead go to the next page and take a tour through each consecutive page and links.

I. What is advocacy?

II. Why advocacy is important?

a. Advocacy Myths

III. Making your voice heard

a. Register to vote

b. Communicate with your legislators

d. Get involved

e. Do your research – helpful links for doing legislative research

f. Tips for writing letters and making calls

g. Speaking with legislators

h. Speaking with congressional staff

i. Download brochure on “Effective Advocacy”