GET INVOLVED
To move a mountain, start by carrying away small stones.
There are so many ways you can make a difference. Some are small - you could start and finish it right now. Others are big and could become a life-long efforts that reward you with friends, personal pride, a deeper meaning, and very possibly saving a life.
Never doubt the value of your contribution. We can't make Ohio a better place for recovery without you.
We need you to help turn up the volume. The more voices we have advocating for recovery rights, the sooner we can achieve our shared goals. Don't know how? Don't worry. We can teach you. Not sure where? We can show the way.
STEP 1
Get on board!
First things first, add your name to our contact list! We'll include you in our Call to Action emails letting you know when we need your help with events, legislation and volunteer opportunities.
Subscribe!
STEP 2
Get Social
Follow us on social media, like, subscribe, comment, and engage!
Algorithms put our message higher in their rankings when you like posts, comment and share.
Find and follow us online!
Click below to follow us online on your favorite platform. We post often and share alerts and news from around the state.
STEP 3
Find your Voice
Advocacy is the act of speaking up for a cause or idea, and trying to persuade others to see its importance.
To be effective when advocating for yourself and others, it can help to know the right words and the right approach.
OCAAR can help. Sign up for any of these courses and supercharge your skills.
ADVOCACY 101
Our advocacy training is available for persons in recovery, friends, family, and other allies. This training is 2-3 hours long and covers a variety of related information, including; advocacy vs. lobbying, deliberative dialogue, how to tell your story, using your story to make an impact, information about the legislative process, and other ways to get involved. This training is offered free of charge and can be customized to fit the needs of the audience.
If you would like to set up a training in your area, click the link below.
BEYOND ADVOCACY 101
Our Beyond Advocacy 101 training was created specifically for those who have been through the OCAAR Advocacy 101 training and would like to learn more about effective advocacy work.
This training will inform participants about effective advocacy techniques and how to share your story for effective change in the public, private and nonprofit sectors
All participants who successfully complete our Beyond Advocacy 101 training will be given a certificate of completion and offered chances to do advocacy work within the legislature and beyond through the OCAAR Advocates program.
DELIBERATIVE DIALOG
There are many differing opinions and feelings when it comes to addiction. Deliberative Dialogue is a way to hold important conversations in communities across complex issues. OCAAR hosts several deliberative dialogue discussions a year to discuss the intricate details of addiction and move people to take action. If you are interested in hosting a deliberative dialogue session in your area, click the link below.
ANONYMOUS ADVOCACY
"How can we stand up for our RIGHTS while honoring the ANONYMITY tradition of our TWELVE STEP groups?"
By downloading this handy PDF!
STEP 4
Join an OCAAR Caucus Group
OCAAR has established Caucus Groups that focus on specific issues in the state. As a member, you can bring your lived experience and help sculpt our policy initiatives and priorities.
Caucus membership is free, but we are looking for individuals that are ready to roll up their sleeves and help us with the heavy lifting!
OCAAR Caucus Groups
Ready to commit your time and talent toward and make real change in Ohio? OCAAR has caucus groups focused in these critical areas:
• Decriminalizing Addiction
• Education and Employment
• Family Support
• Housing
• Recover Community Organizations
• Peer Support
Learn more and join by visiting our Caucus Group Page!
STEP 5
Stay Up to Date
Being an advocate is more effective when you're aware of local issues and legal changes.
Every one has their favorite news sources. If yours offers news alerts with key words, try out "Ohio, addiction, recovery."
Sources for News
OCAAR gathers relevant news every day from Google. You can see the feed here:
STEP 6
Find Elected Officials
Don't be embarrassed if you don't know your local representative - many people don't! We'll help you find them.
State Senate and House of Representatives
Visit this link to find your state representative and senator:
https://legislature.ohio.gov/members/district-maps
Click into the map or enter your address and click submit.
This will show you your elected official. Click on your district number or on the picture of your representative to go to their page. Find their contact page to reach them.
Bookmark that page! You'll visit it when you want to be heard.
Ohio Governor's Office
Contact our Governor here:
Local Municipalities
Don't forget your city, village or township representatives. Use a search engine to find local government webpages or try here. Once you're there, look for city council member pages, trustees, boards, and commissions.
Often, city pages provide emails or contact forms to reach your local official directly. Bookmark the page(s).
STEP 7
Speak Truth to Power
Filling out contact forms and sending emails, when worded appropriately, can have a real impact. Never discount the power of your voice!
Join OCCAR in Getting Out the Message
Click TAKE ACTION to see OCAAR's active advocacy campaigns. We provide you with language you can copy and paste into communications with elected officials.
We will also post about important events and issues on our social media page. Keep an eye on these and make your voice heard!
STEP 8
Put Feet & Hands to Work
We need volunteers. We have friends in recovery services who need volunteers. Would you be willing to lend a hand?
Please fill out the volunteer form to the right and we'll include you in our email blast when we or our partners need help.
Volunteer
