Voices in Advocacy Podcast

Have you ever wondered what would happen if lawmakers truly saw your issue up close? Not in a briefing, not in a memo—but right there in their district, on your turf? Well, that’s exactly what we’re talking about today. 🎯 This episode is all about district visits—what they are, why they work, and how to make the most of them. When a policymaker walks your halls, meets your people, and hears the stories firsthand, it changes everything. How do you turn a handshake into a heartstring? A visit into a vote? And your mission into their understanding? ABOUT THE HOST: As a professional speaker, I help organizations inspire, train, and grow communities of effective, influential advocates. If you're ready to build a culture of advocacy within your association or organization, let’s talk. Visit VoicesInAdvocacy.com to learn more—and let’s turn your passion into powerful public policy influence. Until next time—keep using your voice. Empowering Advocates - Influencing Change Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Today, we're diving deep into something that can revolutionize your advocacy work: the psychology of persuasion. You know, after working with advocates in 47 states, I've learned that the most successful advocates aren't necessarily the loudest or the most passionate – they're the ones who understand how the human mind works when it comes to making decisions and changing opinions. Let me ask you something: Have you ever shared a powerful fact—something you knew was right—and still failed to convince someone? You’re not alone. Advocacy isn’t just about having the right information—it’s about getting people to say "yes." And that takes persuasion. In this episode, we’re diving into the psychology of persuasion—what makes people listen, what moves them to act, and how you can make your message stick. If you’re ready to take your advocacy to the next level, you’re in the right place. ABOUT THE HOST: As a professional speaker, I help organizations inspire, train, and grow communities of effective, influential advocates. If you're ready to build a culture of advocacy within your association or organization, let’s talk. Visit VoicesInAdvocacy.com to learn more—and let’s turn your passion into powerful public policy influence. Until next time—keep using your voice. Dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Let’s face it—we live in politically polarized times. But in this episode, we’re not going to complain about it. We’re going to work through it. Because if we truly want to make a difference—at the local, state, or federal level—we need to know how to navigate the divide, stay focused on our message, and build bridges instead of walls. Today, we’ll explore: As one of my political science professors at Penn State used to say: “We can agree to disagree, without being disagreeable.” That’s the spirit we’ll carry into this conversation. ABOUT THE HOST: As a professional speaker, I help organizations inspire, train, and grow communities of effective, influential advocates. If you're ready to build a culture of advocacy within your association or organization, let’s talk. Visit VoicesInAdvocacy.com to learn more—and let’s turn your passion into powerful public policy influence. Until next time—keep using your voice. Dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Today’s episode is a little different—but a lot of fun. We’re counting down the Top 10 Things Elected Officials and Their Staff Hate to Hear. These are the things that make meetings go sideways, cause eyes to roll, or guarantee your message won’t land the way you want. Think of this as your what NOT to say guide. Because knowing how to communicate effectively also means avoiding the landmines. As a professional speaker, I help organizations inspire, train, and grow communities of effective, influential advocates. If you're ready to build a culture of advocacy within your association or organization, let’s talk. Visit VoicesInAdvocacy.com to learn more—and let’s turn your passion into powerful public policy influence. Until next time—keep using your voice. Dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Today, we’re diving into something foundational: The Top 10 Tips for How to Advocate. Whether you’re just getting started or have been meeting with lawmakers for years, these 10 principles will strengthen your approach, sharpen your strategy, and help you make a bigger impact. These aren’t theoretical tips—they’re tested, practical, and proven in real-world advocacy work. As a professional speaker, I help organizations inspire, train, and grow communities of effective, influential advocates. If you're ready to build a culture of advocacy within your association or organization, let’s talk. Visit VoicesInAdvocacy.com to learn more—and let’s turn your passion into powerful public policy influence. Until next time—keep using your voice. Dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

In today’s digital world, advocacy isn’t just happening in government chambers or behind closed doors. It’s happening online. Social media is a powerful tool that can amplify your message, rally supporters, and even influence policymakers. In this episode, we’ll explore how you can craft compelling content, build an engaged audience, and use digital platforms to drive real policy change. Ready to supercharge your advocacy? Example for Show Notes 1: Rule of Law "Meet Sarah, a small business owner in a city where corruption has become the norm. For years, Sarah has been fighting to keep her business afloat, but unfair practices and an absence of rule of law have made it nearly impossible. Government officials and local authorities frequently demand bribes in exchange for permits or favorable treatment, and when Sarah refuses to pay, she finds herself penalized, delayed, and even targeted with unjust fines. Sarah’s story highlights a growing problem that’s been sweeping through many parts of the country: when the rule of law breaks down, it’s not just businesses like Sarah’s that suffer—it’s everyone. Without the rule of law, people lose trust in their systems, and corruption spreads unchecked. But Sarah is fighting back. She’s taking her story to social media, tagging lawmakers, and pushing for accountability in local government. She’s part of a growing movement that demands transparency and integrity, and she’s calling on people everywhere to stand up for the rule of law in their communities. Now, Sarah’s story is reaching thousands. People from all walks of life are sharing it and calling on their elected officials to enforce the law fairly and bring justice to those who are being silenced by corruption. The message is clear: the rule of law is the foundation of a free society, and it’s time to fight for it." Example 2: Safety for Children in Our Schools "Meet Emily, a mother of two who sends her kids off to school every day, hoping that they’ll return home safe. But recently, she’s been increasingly worried about the safety of children in schools—and not just because of the rise in school violence. Lack of proper safety protocols, outdated security measures, and overcrowded classrooms are putting kids at risk. Emily’s son was recently involved in a lockdown drill that left him terrified and confused—only to learn that the school’s safety systems weren’t even functioning properly. Emily has decided to take a stand. She started sharing her concerns on social media, posting about the need for better security measures, more mental health resources for students, and stronger gun control laws in schools. Her story struck a chord with parents across the country. Others started sharing their own experiences and tagging their representatives, demanding action. Emily is now leading a digital campaign to make schools safer for children by pushing for new legislation and funding for safety upgrades. Emily’s call to action is powerful: We need to prioritize the safety of our children and provide schools with the resources they need to protect students and staff. Thanks to her efforts, the conversation is gaining momentum—and the community is rallying behind her to push for stronger safety protocols in every school." Dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

In this episode, we’re dialing into one of the most underestimated tools in advocacy—the phone call. Yes, emails and letters are valuable—but when time is short and a decision is looming, nothing beats a well-timed, well-prepared phone call to an elected official. It’s fast, direct, and impactful. Today, I’ll guide you through the when, why, and how of calling your lawmakers—and how to make every minute of that call count. Dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Whether you're a seasoned advocate or a first-time visitor to the Capitol, meeting with lawmakers can feel intimidating. But fear not! With the right approach, you can make a lasting impact. In this episode, we’ll break down the keys to a successful advocacy meeting—from preparation to execution and follow-up. We’ll share proven strategies to ensure your message is heard, your ask is clear, and your influence is felt. So, if you're ready to learn how to confidently engage with lawmakers and leave a mark, keep listening. Dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Let me ask you—have you ever experienced something so impactful, so personal, that it made you say, “This has to change”? That feeling is often the spark that fuels the most transformative advocacy. Today, we’re talking about turning personal experience into legislative action. Some of the greatest policy changes in this country started not with politicians—but with everyday people who were moved to act. This episode is all about how to transform your passion into policy—and your personal story into public impact. Let’s start with this powerful truth: Your story is your superpower. In our last episode we explored the craft of creating a completing advocacy story that captivates your audience in our podcast entitled, The Art of Storytelling in Advocacy. You may think advocacy is all about data, white papers, and legal language—but what truly moves people is human connection. It’s your lived experience that lawmakers remember. Stories stick. Take, for example, Candace Lightner. Candace was a real estate agent and mother living in California when tragedy struck in 1980. Her 13-year-old daughter, Cari, was killed by a drunk driver—a repeat offender who had been arrested multiple times for driving under the influence. Candace was devastated. But she didn’t just grieve—she acted. She founded MADD—Mothers Against Drunk Driving. In the beginning, it was just a mother with a mission. But through relentless storytelling, media appearances, and direct advocacy, Candace made the issue of drunk driving impossible to ignore. She built a national movement that led to sweeping reforms, from stricter DUI laws to raising the drinking age to 21. One person. One story. Nationwide change. That’s the power of channeling personal pain into purpose. And Candace isn’t alone. Time and again, stories like hers are what fuel policy momentum. Not charts. Not numbers. But people. Thank you for listening to Voices in Advocacy! If you’ve been moved by today’s episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an opportunity to strengthen your voice for change. And now, here’s how I can help your organization build its own army of powerful advocates. As a professional speaker, I work with organizations at conferences and events to help you build, inspire, and train a community of better, more effective, influential advocates. Whether you want to energize your team, develop stronger grassroots champions, or simply give people the tools to share their stories for change—I’m here to help. Visit Voices in Advocacy and let’s talk about how we can turn your people’s passion into powerful policy change. Until next time—keep using your voice. Dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

They say facts tell, but stories sell—and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to advocacy. Lawmakers hear statistics all day long, but a well-told story? That’s what moves them. That’s what makes them remember. So today, we’re talking about how to craft a compelling advocacy story that will captivate your audience and inspire action. Why is storytelling so powerful? Think about the last time a news story stuck with you. It probably wasn’t because of a statistic—it was because of a person’s experience. Our brains are wired for stories. They engage our emotions, help us relate, and make complex issues feel personal. Think about the issue you advocate for. What’s one story you can tell that will move people to action? Additional Example: Expanding Healthcare Access for Seniors Through Medicare Reform – Mobilizing the Public "Meet Eleanor. She’s 78 years old, and for years she worked as a nurse, caring for others. Now, in her retirement, she faces a challenge many seniors face: accessing affordable healthcare. Although she relies on Medicare, she still finds herself unable to afford essential treatments. The gaps in coverage for things like dental, vision, and prescription medications are making it harder for her to maintain her health. Eleanor isn’t alone. Millions of seniors across the country are struggling with inadequate healthcare coverage. As medical costs rise, seniors like Eleanor are forced to choose between paying for life-saving medications or paying for food and housing. This shouldn’t be the case. It’s time for Medicare reform to ensure that all seniors have access to the care they deserve. But we need your help. We need you to raise your voice and demand that Congress expand Medicare coverage to include dental, vision, hearing, and lower prescription costs. Contact your lawmakers and tell them that our seniors deserve better. Let’s stand together to create a healthcare system that truly works for everyone." Thank you for listening to Voices in Advocacy! If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on how to become a more effective advocate. Until next time—keep using your voice to create change! Dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Hello again, and welcome to the 6th Season of the Voices in Advocacy podcast—which is dedicated to the art of advocacy and how everyday people can make a real difference. Today’s episode is about something that many passionate people struggle with at first—how to ease into the political arena. Maybe you’ve wanted to reach out to an elected official or get involved, but the thought of doing so felt a bit… intimidating? You’re not alone. The good news? It doesn’t have to be hard. And that’s what we’re talking about today—how to take those first simple steps that build confidence, open doors, and position you as a valuable voice in the process. Let’s work together to elevate your voice, expand your influence, and make a lasting impact. Please share this podcast with friends and family that will find this content helpful. Until next time—keep using your voice to make change happen. Dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Today’s guest is an author, leader, mission driven executive, podcaster, and an unabashed advocate for the future of agriculture and the people that educate those that feed us. ABOUT the GUEST Aaron Alejandro is Executive Director of the Texas FFA Foundation located in Austin, Texas. In his non-professional hours, Aaron consults with businesses, organizations, education, and youth clubs about ways to improve organizational and individual performance. He has more than 30+ years of experience in management, personal and professional training. As an inspirational speaker, his unique style of delivery transcends all age groups and corporate cultures offering a clear message of personal dynamics for success. In his position with the Texas FFA Foundation, Aaron has established relationships with sponsors and individuals resulting in significant stakeholder engagement. With more than 270,000 students enrolled in agricultural science courses and Texas FFA membership with more than 170,000+ members, Aaron’s efforts are bringing much needed “fuel” - in the form of sponsorships - to help make dreams come true. Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you. https://www.rapindex.com This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

"As we paused to look back four score, to honor and reflect on the brave allied soldiers that liberated a continent, my mind advanced to November evaluating the reality that lies ahead for America’s future. I am battling to find the right words to express my concern for the governing institutions of our nation." Commentary from Roger Rickard, President and Founder of Voices in Advocacy. ABOUT our HOST Roger is the Founder & President of Voices in Advocacy®, author of 7 Actions of Highly Effective Advocates and host of the Voices in Advocacy® Podcast. He has more than 30 years of experience as an advocacy professional. As a recognized expert in advocacy engagement and grassroots activation, Roger works with a wide cross-section of organizations from diverse industries. His vibrant personality and a good sense of humor make for engaging and interactive programming that is packaged and delivered in an easy to understand, easy to apply format combining his education, experience, and enthusiasm to drive advocacy success. Successful Meetings Magazine named Roger one of the Six People Worth Watching. Meetings Focus Magazine named him to their inaugural list of Meetings Trendsetters, and Connect Magazine named Roger to their inaugural Class of 15 over 50 influencers. This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Running a medical association comes with many challenges. Today’s guest confronts these challenges head on while leading this community with advocacy in an ever-changing world. "The voices of those affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions are really the strongest in the room, without a doubt." - Adam Levy, CAE ABOUT the GUEST Adam Levy is the Executive Director of the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association. An experienced association executive and career nonprofit professional, Adam previously served as the Deputy and Interim Executive Director of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, and held roles at the National Restaurant Association, and SmithBucklin. He serves on the Board of Directors of Association Executives of North Carolina, and the Small Staff Associations Advisory Committee of ASAE. Adam was a recipient of Association Forum’s “Forty Under 40” award in 2022, and holds his CAE from ASAE. Adam is passionate about healthcare access and equity, in addition to mentorship and leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Indiana University and completed the Strategic Leadership Program at Northwestern University. A native Chicagoan and Michael Jordan devotee, Adam lives in Chapel Hill with his wife and twin daughters, and their loving rescue dog, Mason. Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you. https://www.rapindex.com This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Nine years ago, life threw our next guest a curve ball when she learned during her pregnancy that her baby would be born with a facial birth defect. Come with us as we learn about her fascinating journey that has led her to help other families by speaking out as an author and advocate. ABOUT the GUEST Amy Mendillo, MM, MPP, is a writer, author, and advocate. She has worked as a consultant on state-level (RI) Medicaid and social service issues, an advocate for local- and city-level policy, and as a writer-editor for the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. She holds a Master of Public Policy from Brown University. Amy started as a professional classical musician, studying oboe at the Oberlin Conservatory and Northwestern University. Described as “prodigious” by the Chicago Tribune, Amy played in professional symphony orchestras in Chicago, Milwaukee, and New York City, then taught music at Brown University for ten years. A proud cleft parent and adoptive parent, Amy lives with her family in Providence, RI. Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you. https://www.rapindex.com This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Join us as we explore the importance of advocating with today’s guest - the Director of Advocacy Engagement for the well-known organization – who is committed to supporting policies and initiatives that make a positive impact on the lives of children and adults living with neuromuscular diseases. ABOUT the GUEST Mark Fisher is the Director of Advocacy Engagement at the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In this role, Mark leads MDA’s grassroots program and advocacy volunteer efforts. He works to empower advocates and connect them with key decisionmakers in order to advance public policies that improve the lives of the neuromuscular disease community. He previously served as the Digital Grassroots Manager at the American Heart Association and was also a field organizer on a U.S. Senate campaign. Mark earned his Master of Public Policy from American University and is originally from Pittsburgh, PA. Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you. https://www.rapindex.com This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Today we speak to the leader of an organization that has received more than $250 million dollars voluntarily from the nation’s leading distillers to fight drunk driving and underage drinking and promote responsible decisions about beverage alcohol. Stay tuned as we learn about their dedication to advocacy. ABOUT the GUEST Chris Swonger serves as the President & CEO of both the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and Responsibility.org. Responsibility.org was founded in 1991 and has received more than $250 million dollars voluntarily from the nation’s leading distillers to fight drunk driving and underage drinking and promote responsible decisions about beverage alcohol. DISCUS is the leading voice for distilled spirits in the U.S. market and serves as the industry’s advocate in state capitals, the nation’s capital and foreign capitals around the globe. Chris has extensive experience guiding corporations to lead in business while playing a positive role in communities through proactive engagement. In this capacity, Chris focuses on breaking down the traditional barriers that exist between corporations, non-government organizations and activist groups by facilitating consensus-based outcomes which are deliverable, actionable and measurable. A native Texan, Chris received his bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and lives in McLean, Virginia, with his wife Amy and their two sons Holden and Beckett Boone. Chris’ favorite drink? Bourbon on the rocks. Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you. https://www.rapindex.com This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better effective, influential advocates.

Today we speak to the leader of an organization that empowers young adults to advocate for higher education, health care, and economic policies. ABOUT the GUEST Kristin McGuire is the Executive Director for Young Invincibles. Kristin assumes this role having most recently served as YI West Regional Director, where she empowered young adults to advocate for higher education, health care, and economic policies. Kristin brings years of community organizing and policy change expertise to her role as Executive Director. As a first-generation college student from a single-parent household – she is driven by a deep understanding of the needs of under-resourced communities and has helped shift power to young adults from these communities over the last decade. Kristin’s accomplishments include shaping policies that do just that, such as the College Student Hunger Relief Act, the California Student Borrowers’ Bill of Rights, and the Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act. Currently, Kristin is leading the national charge to cancel student debt. Keeping true to her commitment to civic engagement, Kristin is the first African-American elected to the school board in Covina. While very proud of her work, Kristin's most prized accomplishment is not her own, it is her mother’s, who integrated her school in Alabama at the age of seven. Kristin is a proud alumna of California State University Dominguez Hills, wife, mother, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you. https://www.rapindex.com This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better influential advocates

Whistleblowers have been at the top of the news lately. Today’s special guest is the founder of the leading nonprofit dedicated to protecting and rewarding whistleblowers around the world. You do not want to miss this episode as we explore the importance of advocating for stronger whistleblower protection laws and educating the public about whistleblowers’ critical role in protecting democracy and the rule of law. ABOUT the GUEST Stephen M. Kohn is a founder and Chairman of the Board at the National Whistleblower Center (NWC) and founding partner of Kohn, Kohn, and Colapinto LLP. Steve is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading qui tam and whistleblower attorneys, and is an active voice in the whistleblower community, having helped draft key whistleblower legislation and regulatory rules. Steve has led a handful of pro bono efforts, and is currently supporting the push to make National Whistleblower Day permanent via a Presidential Executive Order. He is the author of the first legal treatise on whistleblowing and is the world’s most published author on whistleblower protection. His most recent book is Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What’s Right (Lyons Press 2023). Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you. https://www.rapindex.com This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better influential advocates

Today’s guest is the Grassroots and Constituent expert for the well-known organization - whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Join us as we explore the importance of advocating for our wounded servicemen and women. ABOUT the GUEST Justin Beland serves as WWP’s Grassroots and Constituent Affairs Director where he utilizes 23 years of experience in grassroots advocacy, public policy, and creating innovative engagement strategies. He has previously worked on behalf of veterans at organizations like the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and the Children’s Hospital Association. In addition, Justin has designed government relations and grassroots campaigns for a broad range of issues that serve the public good. He worked with Congress to increase support of federal funding for prostate cancer research, increased access to treatment options for people with opioid addiction, and created a nationwide program led by the country’s Lieutenant Governors to increase heart health. He also serves on the Alexandria (Virginia) Commission on Persons with Disabilities, and the Alexandria Human Rights Commission. He earned a B.A. in Communications and a B.S. in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from George Mason University. He is a native of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a die-hard Red Sox fan. Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you. https://www.rapindex.com This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy, we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better influential advocates