Federal decisions shape what communities can do. Funding rules, program guidance and legislative timelines can speed up proven solutions or slow them down. Advocacy works best when people set a clear goal, name a specific ask and follow through with intention.
The overdose crisis demands durable policy action and many advocates closest to the harm still face barriers to navigating Congress. This is why the Overdose Prevention Initiative at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) launched the U.S. Federal Advocacy Action Guide, now available on our free online learning platform, the Health Advocacy Training and Collaboration Hub (HATCH).
This guide is designed to support advocates who want to engage federal decision-makers with clarity and confidence. It offers a practical roadmap for individuals and groups seeking to understand how Congress works and how community voices can shape policy and funding decisions.
The guide supports advocates, impacted communities, service providers, public health leaders, and coalition partners by:
• Breaking down federal advocacy into clear, manageable steps
• Explaining who holds decision-making power and when
• Helping groups align messages, identify a specific ask and plan effective outreach
Whether you are brand new to federal advocacy or building on existing efforts, this resource is designed to help advocates move from concern to action and to mobilize in ways that can save lives.
Access the U.S. Federal Advocacy Action Guide and related tools on HATCH here (registration is required):
http://www.hatchadvocacy.org/us-federal-advocacy-action-guide
We hope you’ll explore the guide and share it with your networks – sample social media posts are attached, for your convenience.