Advocacy Tools

The Pittsburgh Recovery Walk is part of a larger movement to bring personal experiences with addiction into the public eye, and to help change the circumstances that stand in the way of recovery and wellness.

Just by participating in the Recovery Walk, you are an advocate. You are someone who shows up, speaks out, and makes change.

And you are not alone. Below is a partial list of groups and resources to help you connect with others and strengthen your advocacy skills.

Organizations

Faces and Voices of Recovery – national group with tools and initiatives to mobile recovery advocates

International Overdose Awareness Day – an annual campaign to grieve and prevent overdoses

PRO-A – a Pennsylvania-wide advocacy organization

Recovery Advocacy Project – a national network of recovery advocates

Storytelling & Language Guidance

Addictionary – the Recovery Research Institute’s wonderful guide to language

Advocacy With Anonymity – a classic brochure on sharing your story while respecting the tradition of anonymity in 12-step fellowships

Guidelines on Personal Disclosure – long, but very wise, blog post on considerations about personal disclosure

Memo on Federal Terminology Related to Substance Use – short letter with clear guidance on non-stigmatizing terms

Overdose Crisis Style Guide – guidance for reporters but useful for all

Recovery Storytelling – a blog post on how to tell a powerful, positive story

Hashtags

People are sharing recovery stories all over the internet! However, big caution: there’s huge variety among these storytellers. Not everyone is supportive of all paths to recovery; not everyone is careful to use non-stigmatizing language. But they are refusing to stay silent, and we like that. Here are a few hashtags to get you started.

#recoverychallenge

#recoveroutloud

#wedorecover

#recoveryposse