PRO•A can be a major part of a strong advocacy network. We can provide on-going support for members  as the advocate for individuals affected by an AUD or SUD. It is appropriate to focus on this effort and to channel major resources to its support. Remember, not everyone should be doing ALL of this advocacy and outreach. The job of PRO•A is to support and enable our membership in their efforts through partnership.  For more information, view our Advocacy Action Guide.

What is Advocacy?

Advocacy  is the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal the act or process of advocating something (Merriam-Webster).

Systems Advocacy can be defined as an advocacy to change policies, rules or laws that determine how services are accessed and provided.  Advocacy efforts designed to stimulate systems changes include the following elements:

1. Identify the problem
2. Define the advocacy goal and gather information
3. Create an advocacy plan
4. Determine and obtain necessary resources
5. Implement the plan and evaluate
6. Follow up and track outcomes

How can I advocate as an individual or organization?

• Educate yourself, by signing up for the PRO•A e-member list and following us on Facebook.
• Share your recovery story; you can do this by joining the PRO•A Show Us Your Purple! Group, and submitting your recovery statement and photo. Learn more here.
• Volunteer in your community, at an RCO, or RSG. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s RCO’s and RSG’s at https://pro-a.org/community-organizations/.
• Support recovery events in your community by attending them
• Work together to implement systemic changes