Living Proof Advocacy

Trans stories are part of everyone's story. The @human-rights-campaign content during Transgender Awareness Week highlights the lived experiences of transgender individuals, creating opportunities for awareness and understanding. On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and sharing these stories to combat erasure and foster inclusion. Watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/eebABf8S

We can be pretty hard on ourselves when aiming for effective public communication. Communicating your advocacy story and goals effectively takes time, practice and reflection. Remember to pause and breathe. How do you add a moment of reflection into your advocacy? #FromTheBook #LivingProofAdvocacy #LPAQuotes

We're excited to be in the planning stages of a Board Advocacy workshop this December for one of the arts and humanities organizations selected as part of our LPA-Beyond program—ComMUSICation. ComMUSICation amplifies young voices and cultivates skills for success through equitable access to music, collaboration and opportunity. Check them out: https://lnkd.in/gNa322i For information on LPA Board Advocacy trainings, visit: https://lnkd.in/gDQHwEwF

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Natasha Alexenko, a tireless advocate and powerful voice for survivors of sexual violence. Natasha's sharing of her personal story helped countless individuals find hope and justice. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all touched by her strength, compassion, and relentless commitment to advocacy. In 2020, Natasha spoke with us about her path to advocacy: https://lnkd.in/eyxcN39 To learn more about her life and arrangements to celebrate her life, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gScJ3Pbi

What's the one adjective you want your listeners to think when they hear your personal story? Mindy Buchanan, LPA-certified coach and Director of Programs at the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) joins us to discuss the mental shift advocates who are caregivers experience when they realize the power of their lived experience for advocacy. In honor of #NationalCaregiversMonth, read more about Mindy and her work with caregivers in our latest coach feature: https://lnkd.in/gzPKMcgK

Hey, youth advocates: Storytelling is more than just words—it’s science! The personal stories we share as advocates activate brain chemicals that: - Boost engagement with dopamine - Build empathy with oxytocin - Help your message stick with cortisol. For young advocates, mastering storytelling is a key tool in creating lasting impact. Ready to make your advocacy memorable? Check out our Youth Advocacy Resources, featuring advocates' stories as well as tips to help you succeed in sharing your lived experience. https://lnkd.in/gj29J_AH #YouthAdvocacy #StorytellingForChange #NextGenLeaders #LivingProofAdvocacy #AdvocatesJourney

This Veterans Day, we honor the stories of the women and men who've served in the U.S. Armed Forces—veterans like Rebekah Edmondson. Rebekah trained Afghan women warfighters and she continues to advocate on behalf of and in partnership with the women who were evacuated to the U.S. after the fall of Kabul. Rebekah became an LPA-certified coach this year and used the experience to hone her own storytelling-for-advocacy skills. Here she is, speaking on a panel at William & Mary about the Afghan Female Tactical Platoon, providing a moving example of the "then/now" aspect of her lived experience. Congratulations, Rebekah, and thank you. To view the full panel, visit: https://lnkd.in/gCDk7MW8 Video courtesy of the W&M Reves Center Youtube Channel, https://lnkd.in/gZtnaf8k

"Everybody knows their own story, and it always makes sense to them, but for the audience to engage, the story needs to follow a structure. In the LPA training, you learn to help advocates hit the 'sweet spot' of telling a well-told advocacy story—one that will move listeners from apathy to empathy to action." This is just one of the many moments that resonated when we spoke with Becky Kern, an LPA-Certified Coach who has spent the last 25 years coaching CEOs, celebrities, athletes and advocates—helping them turn their life experiences into advocacy stories. She has worked extensively in healthcare working closely with patients and advocates alike. Read our interview with Becky in our latest blog post: https://lnkd.in/gD-nHNZm

Advocating effectively with stories from lived experience begins with intent. As we conclude #ArtAndHumanitiesMonth, What's YOUR personal reason for championing the arts and humanities this month (and always)? Here are 10 great prompts from Americans for the Arts Which resonates with you?

Make a Difference Day reminds us that anyone can impact their community positively, no matter how big or small the action. • Put a warm meal on someone's table. • Give some love to an animal in need. • Help clean up the alley or riverfront. Or—of course—share your story about why you're passionate about driving change! #IAmLivingProof #MDDAY