Living Proof Advocacy

Whether your journey across the threshold from private to public is straightforward or non-linear, you'll find it valuable to pause and explore what you encounter in this liminal space. Take time with what you find; crossing this threshold is no small feat. We explore liminal space in a recent article we published, read more: https://lnkd.in/gxtxy_Gj

Internship applications now being accepted! Join us for exciting and important work at the intersection of communication, storytelling and advocacy. The 2025 Summer Internship will focus on youth advocacy. Read more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/dfmJpSSr

"So we used storytelling and empathy as a tool for change." Thank you, Telling Queer History, for preserving, celebrating and amplifying voices. We'll miss you. #StorytellingForAdvocacy #EmpathyToAction #IAmLivingProof https://lnkd.in/gNUbpSM8

One week out from Rare Disease Day 2025! Advocates from organizations like the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) and the Fanconi Cancer Foundation (FCF)—LPA Leaders in amplifying the voices of lived experience—inspire us with their determination and resilience. We're proud to support FSR, FCF and other organizations in the rare disease community in their tireless efforts to raise awareness and better the lives of millions by sharing their lived experiences as advocates.

🌟 2024 was a year of collaboration and we are thrilled to share the impact of the incredible organizations we partnered with. One highlight: Social Tinkering welcomed us to work with community members focused on finding their stories to combat social isolation through the creation of meaningful relationships—a powerful mission that embodies connection and change. Check out the full 2024 Impact Report to see how Social Tinkering and others are creating ripples of positive change in their communities. 🔗https://lnkd.in/gTbPJUe7

Congratulations to the tireless WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease Champions who continue to share their heart stories from coast to coast, across kitchen tables and in the halls of government! You inspire us with your dedication and we're proud to support you as an LPA Leader in amplifying voices of lived experience! https://loom.ly/GNaJUr4 #WomenHeartForum #HeartHealth #WomenHeart #Advocacy

You could have the most compelling story ever, but it won't matter if you aren't vocally engaging. How can you make sure the quality of your delivery matches the quality of your story? - Relax. - Pay attention to the speed you are speaking. - Pump up your vocal energy. - Find your appropriate volume. - Articulate clearly. Explore our "Using Your Voice" public speaking tips to learn more ways to amplify your message!

"Focus" is the first of our Five Qualities of a Well-Told Advocacy Story and with good reason - because advocating powerfully with stories from lived experience starts with focusing on intent. Lose focus and intent dissolves, and advocacy stories risk remaining...just stories. Throughout 2024, we were continually inspired by what you—our clients, partners and colleagues—do in order to maintain your advocacy focus often in the face of dispiriting circumstances: • when a solution, cure or even a path forward appears nowhere in sight • when priorities shift and attention turns away from your day-to-day realities • when voices rise to say your voices don’t matter, are dangerous, should be silenced But your determined focus and resolve—to which we are honored to offer our support — nonetheless enabled us to close 2024 “pointing to the positive” (another of our Five Qualities). We’re happy to share our 2024 Impact Report, summarizing the good work we have been able to do together by maintaining our focus. Thank you—clients, partners and colleagues—for helping us head into 2025 with continued focus (that we’re all going to need) and positivity (that we all know is possible and attainable). 📃➡️Want to learn more? Download our 2024 Impact Report today: https://lnkd.in/gTbPJUe7

The current cultural moment is a critical one for those of us who know how necessary all voices are to driving positive change. On one hand, this moment may bring a heightened reticence to speak out and strain the hope for what is possible. On the other, it can deepen a resolve to speak truths more loudly, more widely. In other words, this is a moment of both vulnerability and power—a conflicted space that must be navigated carefully and safely. (And a space that is familiar to anyone who has made the decision to share personal stories publicly.) This brief article reflects on how the experience of speaking out may help us understand how to navigate challenging cultural moments.

Advocacy can be as draining as it is rewarding, which is why it is important to take time to recharge and maintain your passion. Advocates, how do you recharge? Long walks, time with loved ones, maybe just some peace and quiet? Share your strategy with other advocates! How do you recharge and stay passionate about your advocacy? Vote in our poll or reply to this post and let us know! #LPAPrompts #FoodForThought #Recharge