The hottest Advocacy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Community and crisis

Your Local Epidemiologist • 2999 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. The country is under severe strain and the constant emotional load of grief, anger, and helplessness is unhealthy and hard to carry.
  2. Community care and small acts of solidarity—mutual aid, donation centers, peaceful marches, and vigils—make practical differences and offer hope.
  3. Everyone can act: protect your mental health by limiting exposure to traumatic media and leaning on community, and take civic steps like donating and calling representatives to shape the society we want.

Reason and Abortion

Bet On It • 171 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🏥 Health Politics Advocacy
  1. Popular summaries of the Turnaway Study often miss or misinterpret key findings, so careful attention to the study's statistical methods and results matters.
  2. There are serious non-religious arguments against abortion that challenge stereotypes about who opposes abortion, and these arguments lean on evidence and ethical reasoning rather than faith.
  3. Persuasive, respectful conversations and support can have large practical effects on abortion decisions, since convincing someone to continue a pregnancy is often easier than convincing someone to start a new one.

Finding the devil in legislative details

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  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.

"Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism!" The Science is Settled. Right?

Injecting Freedom • 37 implied HN points • 16 Mar 26
🏥 Health Politics Advocacy
  1. An advocacy group asked the federal autism committee to review possible links between infant vaccines and autism and submitted related materials for consideration.
  2. The claim that vaccines do not cause autism is framed as a belief rather than settled science, and the group is calling for more research on the issue.
  3. They publicly shared a chapter and a comment letter to push the committee and the public to re-examine the topic and attract broader attention.

The New "Task Force for Safer Childhood Vaccines" Has a Lot of Work To Do

Injecting Freedom • 26 implied HN points • 16 Mar 26
🏥 Health Politics Advocacy
  1. A federal Task Force for Safer Childhood Vaccines was recently reinstated, restoring a government body to address vaccine safety.
  2. A 9-page letter urges immediate reforms across seven HHS agencies, calling for VAERS and VICP changes, elimination of conflicts of interest, more vaccine data transparency, and stricter approval standards.
  3. The task force has a large, urgent workload and should quickly adopt these recommendations to strengthen vaccine safety oversight.
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One Year of Land Value Tax Advocacy

Progress and Poverty • 2116 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. The Center for Land Economics is pushing for Land Value Tax (LVT) to become a reality today, not in the distant future. They've made significant progress in one year, building partnerships and spreading awareness.
  2. Their efforts include reviving a popular blog on land economics and engaging with elected officials who support LVT. This has helped grow their community and influence discussions on property tax reform.
  3. They’re asking for funding to expand their work, including producing educational materials, conducting research, and attending conferences. This support will help them organize and inspire more advocates for LVT.

Keeping Up Against the Joneses: Balsa’s 2025 Fundraiser

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1075 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. A very small nonprofit is dedicated to researching and pushing for Jones Act and maritime policy reform, and in 2025 it intervened in a Section 301 process, published operational analyses, ran research RFAs, and held dozens of stakeholder conversations.
  2. They’re fundraising with a $200,000 target (and a $50,000 minimum to stay viable) to hire a full-time policy analyst, fund additional studies, and complete a comprehensive Jones Act policy binder.
  3. With more funding they can scale impact by funding more academic studies (~$30k each), hire more analysts, possibly pay senior advisors, and even spin up a 501(c)(4) to enable direct political advocacy and expand into related reform areas.

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 Advocacy
  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.

Good News: Progressive Advocacy Groups Have Been Found Not Guilty By A Progressive Advocacy Group

Singal-Minded • 978 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. Democrats need to clarify their messages and define their core values to attract more voters. Not having a clear stance can hurt their chances during elections.
  2. A strategy called "inclusive populism" suggests that Democrats focus on economic inequality instead of moderating their positions on hot issues. This approach might not appeal to voters who care about other concerns, like immigration.
  3. It's important for Democrats to acknowledge and learn from past mistakes, such as handling border issues poorly, rather than ignore them. Recognizing these problems can help shape better policies in the future.

The courts aren’t coming to save us.

Today's Edition Newsletter • 7016 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Trauma alone can't save Gaza

New Means • 4107 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Advocacy
  1. Powerful images and journalism are changing public opinion about Gaza.
  2. Media racism and hatred towards Arabs are endangering lives and hindering peace efforts.
  3. To bring change, we must move beyond awareness and take action through organized efforts and collective power.

Missouri Hears 9 Anti-Trans Bills In A Single Day

Erin In The Morning • 3832 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  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.

Abortion, Every Day (2.1.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 2378 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Merry Christmas To All

The DisInformation Chronicle • 265 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. A Free Speech Legal Defense Fund was launched to fight frivolous lawsuits and push for anti-SLAPP laws that protect journalists and ordinary people.
  2. Someone who posted U.S. court documents was sued in Madrid, won the case and two appeals, but continues to face new lawsuits that act as legal and financial harassment.
  3. The campaign has raised over $1,700 from 29 donors and the publication has grown to about 36,000 subscribers, and it asks readers to support the fund while sending holiday wishes.

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

Freddie deBoer • 11912 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Advocacy
  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.

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 Advocacy
  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.

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 Advocacy
  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.

UNITY OVER ICE

Pizza Party • 56 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. Unity is presented as a powerful, unstoppable force.
  2. The message is motivational and pushes people to come together and act in solidarity.
  3. There’s a clear call to join and support the movement, inviting readers to engage or subscribe.

ACX Grants Results 2024

Astral Codex Ten • 9429 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💼 Business Advocacy
  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.

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 Advocacy
  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 Advocacy
  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.

The truth about Big Toilet Paper

HEATED • 1867 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Advocacy
  1. Toilet paper production leads to deforestation and significant carbon emissions
  2. Consumer choices and advocacy can drive sustainability in the toilet paper industry
  3. The preference for toilet paper over bidets in America is influenced by historical factors and societal perceptions

Vague Recriminations Can't Fix American Mental Healthcare

Freddie deBoer • 11540 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy
  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.

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

Weight and Healthcare • 639 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness 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.

Former Sheldon Adelson deputy is privately chairing Israeli government-backed advocacy group

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 813 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  1. Michael Leven, a former executive from Las Vegas Sands, is leading an Israeli advocacy group called ISGAP. He is working alongside a former censor of Israel.
  2. ISGAP is focused on addressing antisemitism and has been linked to lobbying efforts against Qatari funding for U.S. universities.
  3. Leven's family foundation has made donations to pro-Israel organizations and has been involved in legislative campaigns against groups like Students for Justice in Palestine.

Long COVID moonshot

Logging the World • 877 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy
  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

Godspeed, Lisa Carlson

Disaffected Newsletter • 1658 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Advocacy
  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 Advocacy
  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 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 Advocacy
  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.

‘I Was Fired After Blowing the Whistle’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3162 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Advocacy
  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.

We Love Animals. Why Do We Torture Them?

Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter • 799 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness 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.

Bibi's edgelords

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 834 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy
  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.

What could AI mean for animals?

Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Advocacy
  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 Advocacy
  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.