The hottest Advocacy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter 439 implied HN points 28 Sep 23
  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.
Weight and Healthcare 539 implied HN points 01 Feb 23
  1. Fat people deserve access to healthcare and may need to advocate for themselves due to anti-fat attitudes and lack of proper training in medical settings.
  2. When advocating for accommodations, knowing if weight discrimination laws exist in your location or if disability laws may apply is important.
  3. Tips for advocating include asking questions about alternative tests or treatments, taking notes, having a witness, calling ahead to ensure accommodations, and advocating not just for yourself but for future fat individuals as well.
Ladyparts 818 implied HN points 25 Oct 22
  1. The healthcare system in America presents absurd choices to individuals, forcing them to make challenging decisions in times of need.
  2. There is a disparity in experiences and income levels between men and women, leading to different perspectives on issues like healthcare and tone policing.
  3. Women continue to face challenges such as being tone policed and earning less than men, highlighting the ongoing gender inequalities that persist.
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Weight and Healthcare 499 implied HN points 28 Jan 23
  1. Places should be set up to accommodate everyone, but this isn't always the case. People may need to ask for accommodations due to factors like size, disability, or other marginalized identities.
  2. Asking for accommodations can bring up emotional challenges like stress and shame. It's important to know that asking for accommodations is not asking for special treatment, but rather for the same access others already have.
  3. There are approaches to requesting accommodations, such as determining when to ask, who to ask, how to ask, and what to do if the request is denied. It's crucial to remember that requesting accommodations is not about seeking special favors, but ensuring equal access.
A B’Old Woman 519 implied HN points 19 Apr 23
  1. Women have fought hard for the rights to participate in sports, but now there are concerns about fairness when men claim to be women and join women's sports.
  2. Some believe that men maintain a physical advantage over women, even after lowering their testosterone levels, which raises safety and fairness issues in competitions.
  3. Policies that allow men in women's sports are seen by some as disrespectful to women and their achievements, prompting calls for clearer rules that protect women's categories.
Fight to Repair 138 implied HN points 08 Feb 24
  1. EU has agreed on new repair laws requiring manufacturers to repair common household products and provide repair information to consumers.
  2. The new repair laws also allow consumers to borrow a device while theirs is being fixed and offer refurbished units as alternatives.
  3. Advocates are pushing for more expansive legislation beyond the new repair rules to increase repair accessibility and spare parts availability.
The New Urban Order 139 implied HN points 02 Jan 24
  1. YIMBY movement has had significant successes in housing reforms, but the impact on housing supply and affordability is uncertain.
  2. While YIMBYism appeals to various political ideologies, it may not address the need for subsidized housing for the growing number of Americans in poverty.
  3. Advocating for the expansion of project-based vouchers, which offer federally guaranteed rent and simplify affordable housing development, could be a more pragmatic and cross-over approach embraced by developers and policymakers.
Cornerstone 99 implied HN points 19 Feb 24
  1. Zoning reform opponents want people to be confused, angry, and fearful, but reform supporters aim to inform people with the belief that information is on their side.
  2. Negative behavior and attacks from opponents persist, making it challenging to engage in positive dialogue and find common ground in housing advocacy.
  3. NIMBYism is driven by a deep fear of change, with opponents believing increased housing density will disrupt their lives, creating a generational and emotional divide in housing debates.
The DisInformation Chronicle 665 implied HN points 07 Mar 23
  1. Pandemic reporting should prioritize seeking facts over favoring biopharma public relations.
  2. Journalists should uphold journalistic ethics and verify claims before publishing articles.
  3. Advocacy journalism threatens democracy by undermining informed decision-making and should be countered with fact-based reporting.
Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds 196 implied HN points 07 Aug 23
  1. Jennifer Friedenbach is the executive director of Coalition on Homelessness and has faced criticism for her lack of qualifications and questionable financial decisions.
  2. The Coalition on Homelessness lacks transparency in their financial reports, with questionable classification of expenses and no clear demonstration of results.
  3. Friedenbach's involvement in conflicts of interest, such as granting her own nonprofit a large grant from an oversight committee she chairs, raises concerns about ethical practices in addressing homelessness issues.
Hypertext 99 implied HN points 02 Feb 24
  1. Developing policies like the Child Tax Credit can mirror elements of Milton Friedman's negative income tax, demonstrating the challenges of passing sweeping policies.
  2. Advocates propose refocusing on programs like the Child Tax Credit rather than a more universal approach, citing potential benefits and fewer political obstacles.
  3. Considering alternative approaches like total income phase-out (TIP) for welfare programs could offer new paths forward without requiring immediate program repeals.
Cornerstone 79 implied HN points 01 Mar 24
  1. Male leaders should take responsibility for inclusion in the YIMBY movement instead of relying on women
  2. Men could share the burden of administrative and backend work more actively to support women in the movement
  3. It is essential to seek out and affirm the qualifications of female leaders and candidates to enhance diversity and strength in YIMBY organizations
Dada Drummer Almanach 178 implied HN points 12 Mar 24
  1. The Living Wage for Musicians Act was introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Rep. Jamaal Bowman to address fair pay in the music industry.
  2. The bill was a collaborative effort involving UMAW, the Cyberlaw Clinic at Harvard Law School, and various legal experts and industry stakeholders.
  3. Musicians and supporters can participate by learning about the bill's goals and advocating for it to their representatives.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 399 implied HN points 08 Mar 23
  1. The claims by pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) about making prescription drugs safer and more affordable are often misleading. Even though they say they help, the reality is much more complicated.
  2. PBMs profit from selling more drugs, not necessarily from helping patients save money. Instead of focusing on what’s best for patients, their main goal can be to keep their own profits high.
  3. The healthcare system in the U.S. is fragmented and expensive, leading to a push for universal coverage. There is a belief that a single-payer system could make healthcare more inclusive and affordable for everyone.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 339 implied HN points 16 Mar 23
  1. Having health insurance isn't always enough. Many people still face huge costs and hardships despite having coverage.
  2. Medical bills can lead to severe financial strain and even bankruptcy, impacting people's lives deeply.
  3. Advocacy for better healthcare systems is crucial, and personal stories highlight the struggles that many individuals endure with the current system.
Cornerstone 139 implied HN points 29 Apr 23
  1. Grassroots advocacy work can be rewarding, but it's crucial to pace yourself and avoid burnout. Taking breaks and ensuring sustainability is key in this type of work.
  2. Building a strong team and coalition is vital for the success of any advocacy organization. Empowering people and leading with humility are essential aspects of effective leadership.
  3. Creating a sustainable and effective organization requires defining and committing to core values, recruiting actively, and being authentic in building coalitions.
Fight to Repair 78 implied HN points 29 Dec 23
  1. 2023 was a significant year in the fight for Right to Repair, with more states enacting laws to support repair rights.
  2. Key victories in 2023 included the enactment of right to repair laws in New York, Minnesota, California, Colorado, and Maine, covering a wide range of electronic and mechanical devices.
  3. The push for Right to Repair gained momentum in 2023, with hearings on Capitol Hill, legal actions against manufacturers like John Deere, and support from various government bodies like the EPA and FTC.
Tripsitter 99 implied HN points 27 Jul 23
  1. Harm reduction focuses on compassion over punishment, preserving dignity for people who use drugs and creating healthier communities.
  2. Key principles of harm reduction include meeting individuals where they are at, using practical strategies for drug use, and respecting personal autonomy of drug users.
  3. Harm reduction strategies include education on safe practices, distribution of fentanyl test strips and Narcan, needle exchange programs, safe injection sites, medications for opioid use disorder, and safe sex education and supplies.
Fight to Repair 78 implied HN points 16 Nov 23
  1. Several states have been passing comprehensive right-to-repair laws, indicating that the movement is gaining traction and popularity.
  2. The concept of the Overton window helps understand how companies like Apple are adjusting their stance on repair due to legislative and consumer pressure.
  3. The focus is shifting towards challenges beyond just access to parts and information, with emerging concerns surrounding software restrictions and product design in the right-to-repair movement.
Weight and Healthcare 419 implied HN points 19 Jan 22
  1. Joint pain in fat individuals is often wrongly attributed to body size, leading to weight loss being prescribed as a cure, overlooking ethical treatments.
  2. Comparing the healthcare treatment between fat and thin individuals with joint pain reveals disparities in immediate care and long-term outcomes due to weight stigma.
  3. Prescribing weight loss as a solution for joint pain without informed consent can be unethical and ineffective, harming fat patients by delaying necessary care.
Fight to Repair 78 implied HN points 09 Jan 23
  1. Deere signed an MOU with the American Farm Bureau Federation to provide some repair tools, but it may not give farmers complete access to necessary repair resources.
  2. Although the MOU is seen as a positive step, there are concerns about its enforcement and whether farmers will truly have all the tools needed for repairs.
  3. Despite the MOU, there are lingering questions about whether farmers will still require help from authorized providers for certain critical repairs.
Cornerstone 59 implied HN points 05 May 23
  1. YIMBY organizations focus on grassroots activism, engaging everyday people in advocating for policies that increase housing supply.
  2. YIMBY groups engage in different types of advocacy, including grassroots activism, grasstops advocacy, electoral politics, and advocacy through the news media.
  3. Having a clear campaign or 'MacGuffin' to organize around is crucial for YIMBY groups, helping them rally support, increase visibility, and drive their advocacy efforts.
Cornerstone 59 implied HN points 16 Jun 23
  1. Think and talk about opponents as little as possible to avoid validating them and looking threatened.
  2. Focus on staying positive and productive despite attacks or intimidation. Do not take the bait.
  3. Respect opponents by understanding their motivations and where they are coming from, aiming to outmaneuver rather than dehumanize them.
Fight to Repair 59 implied HN points 13 Feb 23
  1. In Colorado, a new wheelchair repair law is enabling individuals like Bruce and Robin to have greater control over their power wheelchair settings and functions, previously controlled exclusively by manufacturers.
  2. Access to programmer applications under the law is streamlining repairs for power wheelchair users in Colorado, providing quicker diagnosis and solutions for malfunctions.
  3. The success of the wheelchair repair law in Colorado has inspired interest in similar legislation in other states, with potential challenges and opportunities for the disability community in promoting repair rights.
Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter 6 HN points 27 Jun 24
  1. Silence favors the status quo, making it vital to bring attention to issues like factory farming to create change.
  2. Media coverage of factory farming has not grown significantly, highlighting the need for innovative tactics to increase visibility.
  3. Engaging influencers, providing credible data, and focusing on newsworthy angles can help spark conversations about factory farming.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 139 implied HN points 12 Jan 23
  1. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are under scrutiny in Congress, with both political parties examining their roles in rising healthcare costs. It's important for patient advocates to educate lawmakers on the real impacts of PBMs.
  2. Health insurance benefits have been decreasing over the years, making care less affordable for many Americans, especially women. People are paying higher premiums but getting less coverage now than in the past.
  3. Rural areas face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, especially with transportation. Lack of options for medical transport can make it hard for patients in these regions to attend necessary appointments.
HEALTH CARE un-covered 139 implied HN points 28 Dec 22
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are designed to benefit insurance company shareholders rather than patients. This means they may prioritize profit over providing quality care.
  2. Patients on Medicare Advantage often need prior approval from insurers before getting treatment. This can delay care and make it harder to get necessary services.
  3. Real Medicare allows patients to see almost any doctor or hospital without needing referrals. In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans have stricter networks that can limit choices.
Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds 39 implied HN points 13 Mar 23
  1. A family has been fighting for justice for nearly five decades after a brutal murder and torture.
  2. Despite a guilty verdict and a death sentence, the killer has been eligible for parole, facing multiple hearings.
  3. The family and the public continue to seek support to keep the killer behind bars through public comments and letters to the parole board.
Fight to Repair 59 implied HN points 03 Oct 22
  1. Teaching repair skills in schools and establishing networks of Repair Cafes are key ideas discussed at FixFest to promote repairability and reuse.
  2. Advocates highlighted the need for a legal right to repair, pointing out the barriers individuals face when trying to repair items.
  3. Efforts to promote repair independently of regulations post-COVID were emphasized at FixFest, showcasing the resilience and growing interest in repair events.
Fight to Repair 39 implied HN points 29 Dec 22
  1. New York Governor signed a comprehensive Digital Fair Repair Act, covering a wide range of personal electronics, marking a significant victory for right to repair advocates.
  2. The passage of the Digital Fair Repair Act in New York highlighted the enduring power of manufacturers and big tech in influencing legislation, showcasing the need for continued advocacy and push for expansion.
  3. Despite facing lobbying pressure from big tech companies, the passage of the modified repair law in New York sets a precedent for other states to introduce similar legislation to promote repairability and consumer rights.
Fight to Repair 39 implied HN points 30 Nov 22
  1. EU is implementing new repair rules for electronics to reduce environmental impact, but advocates feel it falls short of a true "right to repair" needed to extend device lifespans.
  2. Upcoming EU policy changes will require access to parts, maintenance for devices after retiring, durability standards, and repair labeling, but critics push for stronger policies.
  3. Samsung is working on a new mobile app called 'Self Repair Assistant' to boost DIY repairs, while Apple seeks to restrict repair through patents. Advocacy efforts continue to push for right to repair laws.