The hottest Advocacy Substack posts right now

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Finding the devil in legislative details

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Policy Advocacy Governance Civil Rights
  1. Legislative language can be complicated and confusing, making it hard for everyday people to understand what laws really mean. It's important to break down legal terms into simple language so everyone can grasp their implications.
  2. Some laws might have hidden meanings that could cause major issues, like how definitions in legislation can change the way we understand terms like 'sexual orientation.' This can lead to unintended consequences that affect society.
  3. Activists sometimes downplay the real effects of laws, which can be alarming. It's crucial to stay informed and critically assess what legislation truly entails to protect the rights and safety of all individuals.

In life, Bill Pascrell Fiercely Bucked Health Insurance Giants During the ACA Debate. Today's Advocates Should See Him as Inspiration.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Legislation Advocacy Public Health
  1. Bill Pascrell was a strong fighter for healthcare reform, especially during the Affordable Care Act debates. He believed everyone deserves access to healthcare.
  2. He worked tirelessly for first responders and survivors after 9/11, making sure they got the medical support they needed. His efforts led to important legislation for their care.
  3. Pascrell's legacy shows us the importance of standing up against powerful interests in healthcare. His commitment inspires others to continue fighting for a fair healthcare system.

The courts aren’t coming to save us.

Today's Edition Newsletter • 7016 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Impeachment Legislation Judicial Advocacy
  1. Efforts to hold Trump accountable through the courts are important, but defeating him at the ballot box is crucial.
  2. The DC Circuit judges were openly skeptical of Trump's claim of presidential immunity, leading to a bizarre court hearing.
  3. Speaker Mike Johnson is facing challenges within the GOP caucus, where some members are considering his removal.

... No, We Definitely Want to Use Medical Arguments to Defend Trans Children

Freddie deBoer • 11912 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Transgender rights Medical care Advocacy Health care Medical Ethics
  1. Medical arguments are crucial for defending trans children to ensure access to necessary healthcare.
  2. Advocating for trans rights should focus on practical strategies that work in the real world, not just theoretical ideals.
  3. Challenging societal norms and privacy laws for medical decisions of trans children may have adverse political consequences.
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Missouri Hears 9 Anti-Trans Bills In A Single Day

Erin In The Morning • 3832 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Equality Advocacy Discrimination Activism
  1. Missouri is considering 9 anti-trans bills in a single day, making it a focal point for such legislation this year.
  2. The bills in Missouri target transgender people in various aspects of public life, from bathrooms to legal recognition.
  3. Local organizations like PROMO Missouri are mobilizing against the bills, urging people to sign petitions and testify in Jefferson City.

ACX Grants Results 2024

Astral Codex Ten • 9429 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💼 Business Grants Advocacy Global Development Bioengineering Political Change
  1. The ACX Grants Results for 2024 announced several innovative projects that received funding, ranging from lead-acid battery recycling in Nigeria to lobbying for changes in kidney donation laws.
  2. The grantees included projects like developing anti-mosquito drones, creating germicidal UV lightbulbs, and advocating for a specialized pandemic response team at the FDA.
  3. The ACX Grants covered a diverse range of causes, including animal welfare, educational attainment, political change, and innovative medical research like artificial kidney creation and phage therapy.

Abortion, Every Day (2.1.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2378 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Policy Legislation Election Advocacy
  1. The Oregon Supreme Court ruled against ten Republican state senators who staged a walkout over abortion, disqualifying them from reelection.
  2. Kentucky and Tennessee lawmakers are working on abortion legislation, with focus on repealing bans and providing more resources for patients.
  3. The anti-abortion movement is facing backlash, including activists violating the FACE Act and attempts to repeal clinic protection laws.

Bibi's edgelords

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 834 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Elections Government Advocacy Protests
  1. Netanyahu handed a special 'golden beeper' to Trump during discussions about Gaza, showing close political ties.
  2. A small right-wing group called Betar faced backlash at a pro-Israel rally, promoting aggressive political strategies and targeting critics.
  3. Betar's attempts to gain visibility included spreading false claims about deporting pro-Palestinian activists, leading to public condemnation from various organizations.

Marshall Allen, Fearless Advocate for Health Care Reform and Journalist, dies at 52

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 21 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Reform Journalism Advocacy Patient rights Obituaries
  1. Marshall Allen was a passionate journalist and advocate for health care reform. He worked hard to help people navigate the unfair aspects of the health care system.
  2. He wrote a book called 'Never Pay the First Bill' to share tips on fighting against unexpected medical bills. His goal was to empower patients to stand up for their rights.
  3. Marshall was known for his compassion and integrity. Many friends and colleagues are committed to continuing his work and honoring his legacy.

Vague Recriminations Can't Fix American Mental Healthcare

Freddie deBoer • 11540 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Healthcare system Treatment Advocacy Medications
  1. The American mental healthcare system needs more than vague criticisms to be fixed.
  2. Expanding access to mental healthcare requires understanding and addressing the existing stigma and challenges within the system.
  3. Advocacy for mental healthcare should focus on realistic goals and solutions, rather than relying on vague critiques and unfounded assumptions.

Will this policy be the one which loosens the stranglehold of 'gender-identity affirmation' in NZ schools?

A B’Old Woman • 579 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Legal issues Advocacy Social Issues
  1. A new guide from Ethos Alliance in New Zealand offers a different approach to handling gender identity in schools. It suggests a method called 'watchful waiting,' which is about giving kids time to explore their feelings about gender.
  2. The guide is meant to provide clear information for schools and parents that isn't driven by specific ideologies. It aims to reassure concerned teachers and families about the options available regarding gender identity.
  3. There has been pressure on schools to support gender-identity affirmation without enough evidence that it benefits children. Ethos Alliance hopes their guide helps start a more balanced conversation around this issue.

Medicare Advantage gets walloped in the press as the federal government's rate notice looms

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 779 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Regulation Advocacy Policy
  1. The federal government will soon decide how much money to give private health insurers running Medicare Advantage, affecting millions of seniors' healthcare options.
  2. Many reports are showing that Medicare Advantage plans may not be as beneficial as claimed, often leading to overcharging taxpayers.
  3. More groups are speaking out against the industry's tactics this year, pushing back against pressures to increase funds for these insurance companies.

This is why we can’t have nice laws

Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter • 799 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Animal Rights Legislation Advocacy Policy Influence
  1. Many people support farm animal welfare laws, but politicians often fail to pass them due to strong opposition from factory farmers and their powerful lobbying efforts.
  2. Advocates have been successful in passing farm animal welfare laws through citizens' initiatives, cross-party support, compromise, and engaging with political candidates and parties.
  3. The farm lobby, with its wealth, government subsidies, and strong influence on politicians, poses a significant challenge to the progress of farm animal welfare laws.

‘I Was Fired After Blowing the Whistle’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3162 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Dysphoria Whistleblowers Youth Gender Medicine Advocacy Mental health
  1. Several therapists have spoken out in fear that medical treatment of minors with gender dysphoria may be harming youths.
  2. Speakers like Tamara and Jamie, despite facing challenges, continue to advocate for the importance of speaking out regarding concerns about youth gender medicine.
  3. Supportive coalitions like The LGBT Courage Coalition and advice from whistleblowers are available for those considering speaking out on topics like pediatric gender medicine.

Reader Question: What to do if you experience medical weight stigma

Weight and Healthcare • 639 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Stigma Healthcare Resources Advocacy
  1. Weight stigma in healthcare is common and can have various forms, impacting patients differently depending on many factors.
  2. There are several ways to address and respond to weight stigma in healthcare, such as addressing it in the moment, submitting a complaint, or sharing experiences on review sites and social media.
  3. Taking action against weight stigma, like lodging complaints, can lead to changes in healthcare practices even if the outcomes are not always visible.

Long COVID moonshot

Logging the World • 877 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Long Covid Advocacy Research
  1. Perceptions of Long COVID statistics may be misleading when not considering factors like vaccination and immunity
  2. The severity of COVID infections might be linked to the likelihood of developing Long COVID
  3. Long COVID advocacy could benefit from focusing on providing treatment and research for those suffering long-term effects

Balsa Update and General Thank You

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1881 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Advocacy Funding Regulation
  1. The focus of the Balsa project is on repealing the Jones Act to make a positive impact.
  2. Another area of interest for Balsa is federal housing reform, aiming to address economic issues and expand policy reform.
  3. Balsa also plans to work on initiatives related to NEPA, aiming to replace current environmental regulations with cost-benefit analysis for development projects.

Godspeed, Lisa Carlson

Disaffected Newsletter • 1658 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Obituaries Grief Advocacy Community
  1. Lisa Carlson was a passionate advocate for families dealing with death. She wanted people to understand they could care for their loved ones themselves without spending a lot of money.
  2. She wrote the first book that taught families how to handle their dead at home, which helped many realize they didn't have to rely on expensive funeral services.
  3. Lisa was known for her honesty and humor, and she believed laughter could help heal pain. She had a unique, caring spirit that touched everyone around her.

Case Study - Higher-Weight Patient Seeks CT Scan

Weight and Healthcare • 798 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare access Advocacy Body positivity
  1. Higher-weight patients may face challenges in accessing appropriate healthcare services, such as imaging scans like CT scans.
  2. Patients should not have to navigate through healthcare system barriers on their own and should receive accurate information about medical procedures upfront.
  3. Advocacy and education are important for challenging medical weight stigma and ensuring equitable healthcare access for all patients.

What's in a Name?

Ladyparts • 878 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Women's Health Advocacy
  1. It's important to speak openly about ailments related to the vagina, vulva, and female urethra for women's health advocacy.
  2. Watching TV can be a comforting activity after a medical procedure.
  3. Consider signing up for Ladyparts for exclusive content and a 7-day free trial.

Movers & Shakers: A Parky Charter

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 476 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Parkinson's Podcast Advocacy Healthcare
  1. The podcast Movers & Shakers discusses creating a charter for better treatment for people with Parkinson’s.
  2. The charter focuses on timely access to neurologists, better information on diagnosis, and increased government investment in Parkinson’s research.
  3. The charter also aims for access to specialized teams for Parkinson's patients and the introduction of a Parkinson's Passport for easier access to benefits and services.

We Love Animals. Why Do We Torture Them?

Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter • 799 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Animal Welfare Animal Rights Advocacy
  1. People love animals and express it through care and societal norms, yet they allow significant animal abuse to occur, especially in industries like factory farming.
  2. There's a disconnect in how we treat different animals - from pets to those used for food or research - despite recognizing their sentience and importance.
  3. Many individuals remain unaware or apathetic about the mistreatment of animals, often due to lack of information, societal norms, and the inconvenience of changing habits.

What could AI mean for animals?

Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Alternatives Ethics Advocacy Sentience
  1. Artificial intelligence advancements have the potential to revolutionize the future of farmed animals, presenting both optimistic and pessimistic outcomes.
  2. AI is being explored to create alternative protein products and improve animal welfare through various applications like distress call monitoring and sensor technology.
  3. There is uncertainty on how AI will impact animals in the long run, with scenarios ranging from ending factory farming to potential exploitation of sentient AIs, urging for considerations of animal ethics in AI development and advocacy efforts.

What can Colorado learn from Oregon about psilocybin?: 5 Questions for Healing Advocacy Fund’s Colorado director Tasia Poinsatte

The Microdose • 275 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Psychedelics Advocacy Regulation Data Collection Mental health
  1. Colorado's psilocybin program is expected to be fully operational by early 2025.
  2. Oregon's program highlighted the importance of allowing licensed professionals to participate in psilocybin services.
  3. Colorado is considering a tiered licensing model and enhanced training requirements for safe facilitation in their psilocybin program.

Steps for Practitioners to Advocate for Higher-Weight Patients/Clients

Weight and Healthcare • 519 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy Weight Stigma Healthcare access Body positivity
  1. Recognize that higher-weight individuals deserve respect and healthcare, regardless of their size.
  2. Shift to a weight-neutral paradigm to support patients in the bodies they have, focusing on health rather than weight loss.
  3. Identify gaps in caring for higher-weight patients, work towards a healthcare system accessible to people of all sizes, and advocate for systemic change.

What To Do When Weight Stigma Makes You Want To Avoid The Doctor

Weight and Healthcare • 519 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Stigma Healthcare Mental health Advocacy Self-care
  1. Weight stigma in healthcare can lead to higher-weight individuals avoiding going to the doctor altogether.
  2. It's important to advocate for yourself when facing weight stigma in medical settings and not let it deter you from seeking care.
  3. Bringing along an advocate and practicing how to deal with weight stigma in advance can help improve the healthcare experience.

Americans can't afford their out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter. Legislators on both sides of the aisle are taking action.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 479 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Healthcare Bipartisanship Pharmaceuticals Advocacy
  1. Many Americans are struggling to afford their medication costs at the pharmacy, which is forcing them to leave without the medicines they need.
  2. Big insurance companies have gained too much control over drug prices, causing many patients to pay more at the counter while receiving less help from their insurance.
  3. Bipartisan action is happening in Congress to reform pharmacy benefit managers, with bills aiming to lower out-of-pocket costs for patients and increase price transparency.

Legislators and advocacy groups in Washington still have their sights set on PBM reform

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 179 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Advocacy Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Reform
  1. Legislators in Washington want to change how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) operate because many think their practices are hurting patients and pharmacies.
  2. There is support from both political parties to reform PBMs, but lobbyists are trying to stop these changes to protect profit margins.
  3. Pharmacists and businesses need to be aware of PBM practices and take action now, as reforms could save them a lot of money and make medications more affordable.

The Truth About The Obesity Action Coalition

Weight and Healthcare • 639 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Obesity Advocacy Weight loss industry Non-profit organization Pharmaceutical industry
  1. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is not an advocacy group for higher-weight people, but predominantly funded by and lobbies for the priorities of the weight loss industry.
  2. OAC's priorities aim to expand Medicare coverage for weight loss interventions, revealing ties to the weight loss industry such as funding from companies producing weight loss drugs and surgical equipment.
  3. There are parallels between OAC's actions and the tactics used by pharmaceutical companies in the past, like Purdue Pharma, to influence healthcare organizations and profit from weight loss interventions.

Europe’s animal welfare reforms are under threat

Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter • 439 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Animal Welfare European Union Advocacy Legislation Reforms
  1. Europe's animal welfare reforms are at risk of being abandoned by the EU.
  2. Influential farm lobby groups and free traders are major factors in the potential abandonment.
  3. Advocates are mobilizing to push the European Commission to uphold its commitments and continue pursuing animal welfare reforms.

Inside the Pro-Israel Information War

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 860 HN points • 08 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Israel Palestine Media Advocacy Campaigns
  1. There is a concerted effort to shape online discourse and silence pro-Palestinian voices by pro-Israel forces in Silicon Valley.
  2. Pro-Israel groups are heavily involved in shaping media coverage and advocating for Israel in the public discourse.
  3. Efforts to suppress pro-Palestinian speech, influence media outlets, and lobby lawmakers are prominent in the pro-Israel information war.