Policy, Not Politics Toolkit
A Joint Initiative between ISPN and the Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice
Advocating for mental health can take many forms, and while a visit to Capitol Hill is one option,
it’s not the only way to make an impact. Everyday actions, such as talking with a neighbor, sharing
accurate information on social media, writing letters to the editor of local newspapers, or emailing or
calling members of Congress, are all forms of advocacy. Behavioral health professionals already
possess the skills needed to be effective advocates, because advocacy at its core is about
conversations, relationships, and evidence.
This toolkit provides strategies, tools, resources, and references to:
- Enhance advocacy knowledge, skills, and competencies
- Provide an overview of the advocacy and policymaking process
- Influence outcomes related to today’s public policy issues
Find Your Voice
Start by talking about what matters most to you. Focus on evidence-based care, treatment, and
social justice issues. Conversations with family members, neighbors, friends, or colleagues are
powerful forms of advocacy. Active listening, flexible thinking, emotion regulation, relationship
building, and the ability to communicate science to non-experts are the foundations of effective
advocacy. Behavioral health professionals are uniquely equipped to advocate for change. Their
training in understanding human behavior, effective communication, and conflict resolution
enables them to engage policymakers with evidence-based solutions.
Join Professional Organizations
Participate in professional organizations at the national and state levels. Members support
advocacy efforts through their dues and collective action. Identify committees or task forces that
align with your interests and engage in advocacy opportunities such as signing petitions related
to issues you support. Contact your local representatives to share your perspective and expertise.
Engage With Media
Respond to and engage with issues presented in print media, social media, and television.
Consider participating in media training to strengthen your ability to communicate clearly and
effectively with the public and decision-makers.
Tell Your Story
Sharing personal stories and professional experiences helps decision-makers understand why
their support matters. “Boots on the ground” stories often resonate more with policymakers than
data alone.
Contribute in Other Ways
If time is limited, there are still meaningful ways to support advocacy. Make financial
contributions, support community agencies aligned with your values, and back candidates for
local, state, and federal office who champion mental health and social justice issues.
Don’t Give Up—Do Something
It’s easy to feel that individual actions won’t make a difference, which can lead to inaction. But
choosing to do nothing guarantees that nothing will change. Small actions matter. Sending an
email to your member of Congress, speaking at a community meeting, or supporting a client as
they navigate barriers to care within the health care system all contribute to meaningful change.
Every conversation is an opportunity to raise awareness, shift perspectives, and influence policy
from the ground up.
Helpful Links
Primer on the policy-making process
Advocacy at State and Local Level
How to write a Policy Brief
Op Ed Writing
Letters to the Editor Writing
Interactive Map to Members of Congress
Elevator Speech
Research to Policy Collaboration
1) Scripts for phone calls or visits to congressional offices
2) Writing letters to legislators, tips and templates
3) Media (print, television and social) templates and training
4) Legislative docket