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Increase Awareness Through Advocacy Opportunities This April

Mar 29, 2023 |

Did you realize YOU have the power to request state-wide recognition of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLDAM)?

Every year the Amputee Coalition sets a goal of obtaining a signed proclamation in all 50 states declaring April as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month. A proclamation is an official document issued by the governor to commemorate a specific period to raise awareness about an issue. With April quickly approaching, we need your help to raise awareness in as many states as possible! 

To get started, simply visit the Advocacy & Awareness landing page, where we have provided you with draft proclamation language, step-by-step instructions, and submission information for all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico. We are thrilled to announce that Texas, Minnesota, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Colorado have officially declared April as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, and we are anticipating other states to follow suit.

Aligning with LLLDAM, the 2023 Advocacy Forum will be held as virtual sessions every Wednesday throughout the month of April. Whether you are new to advocacy or you’ve been a passionate advocate for our community for years, you will leave these online events with a fresh takeaway that can be applied to your work.

Advocacy Forum Virtual Workshops 

Advocacy 101 Virtual Workshop – April 5, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Eastern

Speakers:Peter Thomas, JD; Kyle Stepp; Whitney Doyle, MNM, CNP, CP; Dante’ Daniel, PhD; Ryan Geddie

Take a deep dive into advocacy basics! Explore your role as an advocate on all levels, including self-advocacy, group advocacy, and systems change advocacy.

Register:https://amputee-coalition.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vTW3yOP4SKyEjvZrcWdBQg

Power of Personal Narrative – Connecting Your Personal Story to Your Advocacy Work - April 12, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:John Register

Attendees will learn to tell their personal stories effectively, connecting the dots from personal experience to actionable change.

Register:https://amputee-coalition.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iSUzyTtaSU22HsdQXVvLhA

Breaking Into Workforce Development– April 19, 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. Eastern

Speaker: Trenaya Reid

This training/workshop session includes an overview of the Amputee Coalition’s Workforce Development Program and its job board platform. There also will be an overview of the programs and services offered through a nationwide government program called Vocational Rehabilitation.

Register:https://amputee-coalition.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1SBFxu-pRKGjKYOZrSWZmw

Finding Your Voice: Career Pathways Workshop - April 26, 4:00 -5:00 p.m. Eastern

Speakers: Trenaya Reid, Ryan Geddie, Lucas DeLuca

Curious about navigating a career with a disability? Join AC team members as they discuss their personal journeys. This session will provide practical insight into a range of career paths, accommodation needs, and resources.

Register:https://amputee-coalition.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hev_xQmvSiKSR6ba7BezYA

An advocacy training activity will be held at our national office in Washington, D.C., for members of the limb loss and limb difference community who registered to attend the Advocacy Forum in person this year. We will provide opportunities for targeted virtual Hill meetings with members of Congress and their staff who serve on committees that oversee policy work that supports our community.

Visit www.amputee-coalition.org for more details on ways to engage. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and join the conversation using #ACSpeakUp.