We are excited to introduce the Advocacy Champions Program, an initiative designed to empower long-term care providers, residents, and families to connect with lawmakers and shape the future of aging services in Washington and across the nation. We are looking for member volunteers from each organization to serve as Advocacy champions. As an Advocacy Champion, you will serve as the key point of contact between your organization and LeadingAge Washington on state and federal advocacy efforts.

Please join us for an informational webinar on December 17th at 11 am. We will go over program details and hear from Jen Drake, a LeadingAge Washington board member and advocate extraordinaire. This is a member-only webinar. Please register in advance for this meeting using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/L4GFq5QgRGyeoJ_BunX1Vw

What does an Advocacy Champion do?

• Stay Informed: Receive regular policy updates from LeadingAge Washington and LeadingAge National, focusing on issues that impact your organization and community.
• Be Responsive: Participate in Calls to Action, share your perspective with representatives, and testify during legislative hearings.
• Build an Advocacy Network: Develop a local network of residents, family members, team members, and board leaders who care about aging services.
• Help Us Mobilize: Share advocacy alerts and resources, encouraging others to send personalized messages to their representatives.
• Maintain Visibility: Host visits or meetings with elected officials, invite legislators to your campus, and participate in Advocacy Day in Olympia and Lobby Day in Washington, D.C.

How LeadingAge Washington will support you:

• Regular advocacy updates, alerts, and resources.
• Templates and tools to engage others effectively.
• Recognition for outstanding Advocacy Champions who have made a significant impact.

We invite you to join us as an Advocacy Champion and bring along an emerging leader or team member from your organization to share in this important role. To sign up or learn more, please contact Alyssa Odegaard, VP of Public Policy, at aodegaard@LeadingAgeWA.org. Thank you for your commitment to advancing aging services. We look forward to working with you to create meaningful change.