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Advocacy

About

Advocacy is the act of supporting, promoting, or championing a cause,idea, or policy to bring about positive change or raise awareness about a particular issue. It involves actively and publicly voicing one’s support for a specific cause or group of people with the aim of influencing decisions, policies, or actions at various levels, such as governmental,societal, or organizational. Advocacy can take many forms, including lobbying, public awareness campaigns, direct action, and education. The key aspects of advocacy include:
 
  • Awareness and Education
    Advocacy often begins with informing and educating the public or relevant stakeholders about an issue, its significance, and potential solutions.

  • Building Support
    Advocates work to mobilize individuals, communities, and organizations to rally behind a particular cause or issue.

  • Influence Decision-Making
    Advocates may engage with policymakers, government officials, or other decision-makers to promote policies or actions that align with their cause.

  • Stakeholder Engagement
    Advocates seek to engage with and represent the interests of affected individuals or communities. They often give a voice to marginalized or underrepresented individuals or groups.

  • Legislative and Policy Changes
    Advocacy efforts can lead to the development of new laws or the reform of existing ones, with the goal of addressing the issue at hand.

  • Public Demonstrations
    Advocacy can involve public protests, marches, or rallies to draw attention to an issue and pressure decision-makers to take action.

  • Media and Communication
    Advocates use various forms of media, including social media, traditional news outlets, and online platforms to spread their message and influence public opinion.

Advancing Veteran Oral Health State Road Tour

The 2024 Virtual Road Tour is a state-based series featuring tools, resources, data, and advocacy frameworks for improving access and outcome for veterans. Virtual road tour “stops” include a one-hour session designed to empower state-based stakeholders to identify gaps and potential solutions for veterans and their oral health. The interactive session will feature a state overview of veteran oral health state profile, along with state and national efforts underway to improve the oral health of veterans. Contact programs@aidph.org to schedule a tour in your state.

Veteran Oral Health Action Collaborative

The collaborative features innovative presentations and hands-on applied learning in partnership with CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®. Monthly sessions began in June ’23 and feature interprofessional presenters, build on concepts of care integration and value-based designs, and advance solutions to veteran oral health issues. Sessions have been recorded and are accessible here. We welcome clinical professionals, and community representatives and advocates who want to find solutions that support optimal veteran oral health. There is an opportunity to earn a Certificate in Integrated Care Approaches to Veteran Oral Health. Learn more.

Partners

Advocacy Tools & Resouces

“Dental care is vital for us veterans that have disability designations but not 100%. We should have access to dental care even if at a discounted rate. It is critical to our health and I know my mouth situation affects me greatly.”

– Working-Age Veteran from Massachusetts