F9 - Federal Advocacy 101: Tools for Everyday Advocates

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM MDT

Location: Bluebird 1B

This session offers a practical introduction to effective Congressional advocacy for first-time advocates, experienced organizers, and everyone in between – fighting to address the U.S. overdose crisis. Participants will gain essential tools to build power in their own communities, influence decision-makers, and create lasting policy change at the federal level.
Attendees will explore real-world bipartisan policy wins and gain hands-on experience using tools from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator’s Advocacy Action Guide: Tools for Federal Advocacy in the United States. All participants will leave the session with actionable skills, confidence, and resources to drive impact.

Learning Objectives:

Affective (Feel): • Confident in strategic engagement with elected officials.
Behavioral (Do): Practice advocacy strategies that can be used to advance federal policies expanding access to evidence-based treatment and reducing stigma around substance use disorder.
Cognitive (Know): • Become familiar with real-world case studies to engage policymakers and address emerging threats.

Disclosure(s):

Gillian Williams: No financial relationships to disclose

Michele Gazda, MPH: No financial relationships to disclose

Breakout Presenter(s)

GW

Gillian Williams

Program Manager, Strategic Partnerships
Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Overdose Prevention Initiative
Washington, District of Columbia

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Slides
Michele Gazda, MPH

Associate Director of Advocacy
Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Overdose Prevention Initiative
Washington, District of Columbia

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose