{"id":1202,"date":"2022-11-15T20:50:53","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T20:50:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/get-involved\/advocate-for-change\/be-an-advocate\/"},"modified":"2025-03-25T13:50:12","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T17:50:12","slug":"be-an-advocate","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/get-involved\/advocate-for-change\/be-an-advocate\/","title":{"rendered":"Be an Advocate"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Introduction to Advocacy<\/h3>\n

\"U.S.When you or a loved one sustains a spinal cord injury, it can motivate you to become an advocate for the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and paralysis community as a whole.<\/p>\n

Advocacy takes many forms\u2014from educating just one person about what it means to live with an SCI to informing elected officials about the issues involved, with the goal of moving them to take action and make important changes to public policy.<\/p>\n

Working With Elected Officials<\/h3>\n

The idea of working with elected officials may seem intimidating, but rest assured you don\u2019t need to be a scientist, economist, or a paid professional lobbyist to be an effective advocate.<\/p>\n

With so many issues before them, elected officials need your help<\/strong> to understand the costs associated with paralysis, the importance of continued funding for innovative research, and the true impact that their decisions have on the quality of life of people living with SCI and paralysis. By sharing your own story<\/strong>, you can help them make informed policy decisions.<\/p>\n

Contacting Your Legislators<\/h3>\n

You can contact your elected officials via phone, email, and\/or snail mail.<\/p>\n

Letters and emails are a great way to introduce yourself and tell your story in a personal, compelling way that will catch the attention of legislative staff. You might want to start your letter or email with a personal anecdote, for example, and segue into the challenges and issues that need addressing on a legislative level. Always include your state or district and explain that you are working with the Reeve Foundation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Phone calls are particularly effective just before an important vote is scheduled, when your legislators\u2019 staff is trying to tally their constituents\u2019 opinion on an issue.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t know who your legislators are (don\u2019t worry, you\u2019re not alone!) visit www.congress.gov<\/a> and enter your zip code. From there, you should be able to find their contact information.<\/p>\n

Face-to-Face and Zoom Meetings<\/h3>\n

Face-to-face meetingswhether in person or via a video conferencing technology\u2014are powerful ways to advocate; most congressional staff will tell you this is the most effective form of advocacy.<\/p>\n

Most offices have a health legislative assistant that can help you schedule a meeting. Let the Reeve Foundation know you\u2019ll be meeting with legislators by emailing Gerard Arnum, our Grassroots Advocacy Manager at garnum@christopherreeve.org. Feel free to also reach out to Gerard if you would like assistance in preparation for your meeting.<\/p>\n

Tips for Building Productive Relationships<\/h3>\n

No matter how you choose to communicate, keep in mind that building relationships with elected officials, as with anyone, does not happen overnight. It takes time and effort over the long term, and it\u2019s built upon trust. Strong relationships translate into effective advocacy.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You should always:<\/p>\n