In a rapidly shifting policy landscape, treatment providers and recovery professionals need practical, ethical ways to influence decisions that directly affect their organizations and communities. This interactive session demystifies advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels—clarifying how it differs from lobbying and why every provider, regardless of role, has a voice that matters. Presenters Mark Dunn and Nikki Soda will highlight current national issues, unpack how policy actually moves, and share real‑world examples of effective engagement. Participants will then work through a hands‑on exercise to build simple, strategic “asks” they can confidently bring to legislators, agency staff, or county officials. Attendees will leave with concrete tools, scripts, and next steps they can apply immediately.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the policy influence landscape: Identify the roles of key policy stakeholders at the federal, state, and local levels - including legislators, regulators, agency staff, and county officials, and explain how decisions actually move through these systems.
•  Develop a clear, actionable advocacy “ask” and outline three concrete steps they can take within 30 days to begin building policy relationships in their community.