Advocacy in Action Toolkit
United Spinal Association wants to make it easy for you to get involved and teach you how to use your voice for change. This guide provides tools to understanding advocacy and offers tips on advocating in your community. Downloads are available for each section separately under Table of Contents below or you can download the guide in its entirety by clicking the image to the left.
Advocacy in Action Toolkit Table of Contents
1. About Us: United Spinal Association
3. Know Your Rights: Key Legislation
- Americans With Disabilities Act
- Affordable Care Act
- Air Carrier Access Act
- Advocates in Action: Sky-High Standards
- Fair Housing Act and Fair Housing Amendments Act
- The Rehabilitation Act
- Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act
- Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
5. Political Engagement
- Communicating With Elected Officials
- In-person Visits
- Telephone Calls
- E-mailing Congress
- Town Hall Meetings
- Speaking Up At Town Hall Meetings
7. Effective Personal Storytelling
- Sharing Your Story
- Story Development Questions
- Messages That Inspire Action
- Advocates in Action: Reforming Rehabilitation
9. Assembling Coalition
- Utilizing Coalitions
- Organizing a Coalition
- Advocates in Action: Community Rollers
11. Additional Resources
- Resources and Contact Information
2. Defining Advocacy
- What is Advocacy?
- Grassroots Advocacy vs. Lobbying
- District Mobilization
- Advocates in Action: Growing Grassroots
Download Defining Advocacy Section
4. The Legislative Process
- Legislation vs. Regulation
- Local, State, & Federal Offices
- How the U.S. Congress Works
- How a Bill Becomes a Law
- Why Federal Politics Matter
- How State Legislatures Work
- Why State Politics Matter
- Finding Your Place In Politics
- Advocates in Action: Getting Political
Download The Legislative Process Section
6. The Virtual World
- Social Media
- Social Media Dos and Don’ts
- Social Media Best Practices
- Develop a Game Plan
- Avenues of the Virtual World
- Virtual Advocacy
- Advocates in Action: Rallying Online
Download The Virtual World Section
8. Initiative Creation
- What Is an Initiative?
- Strategizing an Initiative
- Initiative SMART Objectives
- Initiative Development Steps
- Crafting an Issue Summary
- Advocates in Action: Ride Across America
Download Initiative Creation Section