The hottest Advocacy Substack posts right now

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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Asking for Accommodations as a Higher-Weight Person - Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 539 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Advocacy Healthcare access Discrimination Self-Advocacy
  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.

Pay $6100 or Endure 18 1/2 Minutes of Torture?

Ladyparts • 818 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare system Gender disparities Reproductive Rights Inequality Advocacy
  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.

Asking for Accommodations as a Higher-Weight Person Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 499 implied HN points • 28 Jan 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Body positivity Healthcare access Advocacy Empowerment
  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.

Sports New Zealand is kicking women into touch again. It's getting to be a habit.

A B’Old Woman • 519 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Women Inclusion Fairness Policy Advocacy
  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.
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European Union Reaches Agreement on New Repair Laws

Fight to Repair • 138 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics European Union Legislation Advocacy Regulation
  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.

Why Housing Vouchers Need a YIMBY Movement

The New Urban Order • 139 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing Government Policy Advocacy Economics
  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.

Fear And Anger In The Heart of NIMBY

Cornerstone • 99 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing Community Engagement Advocacy Policy
  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.

Colleague on Jennifer Friedenbach: 'She doesn’t want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg'

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 196 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Transparency Funding Advocacy Legal issues
  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.

Guaranteed-income realism

Hypertext • 99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Advocacy Legislation Public Administration
  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.

Ideas for the YIMBY Movement to Better Include Women | YIMBYtown 2024

Cornerstone • 79 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Advocacy Diversity Inclusion Leadership
  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

The Living Wage for Musicians Act

Dada Drummer Almanach • 178 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎶 Music Legislation Advocacy Community Streaming Support
  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.

Former PBM chief medical officer: ‘Our motives were murky at best’

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 399 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Public Health Insurance Issues Advocacy
  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.

16 years ago, my story was told in Michael Moore's documentary "Sicko." I still struggle for the health care I need

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 339 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care Medical Debt Insurance Issues Policy Reform Advocacy
  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.

Pandemic Reporting Failed to Seek Facts While Favoring Biopharma Public Relations

The DisInformation Chronicle • 665 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Pharma Reporting Misinformation Advocacy
  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.

Chapter 1: Beware of Burnout | Building YIMBYs of NoVA

Cornerstone • 139 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy Legislation Activism
  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.

👊🏽 A day for transitions ...

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 29 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Social justice Movements Advocacy Leadership
  1. After ten years, it's time to change and grow. The newsletter started as a way to connect with friends but evolved into discussing important social issues.
  2. Today is significant as it's MLK day, a reminder of the civil rights movement. MLK's legacy inspires action against ongoing inequality.
  3. The next few years are seen as a chance to build a strong movement for change. It's about creating solutions for those who have less and making a real impact.

Must Read Right To Repair Stories from 2023

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Advocacy Antitrust Government
  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.

Compassion in Action: How Harm Reduction Saves Lives & Builds Healthier Communities

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Harm Reduction Community support Advocacy
  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.

The Big Question: What Comes After Right-to-Repair?

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Legal Advocacy Repair Product Design
  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.

Fat People and Joint Pain - Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 419 implied HN points • 19 Jan 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Treatment Options Advocacy
  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.

It's a Trap? Deere Signs Repair MOU With Farm Bureau

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
💼 Business Repair Legislation Industry Advocacy Agreements
  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.

Chapter 2: What YIMBYs Actually Do | Building YIMBYs of NoVA

Cornerstone • 59 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy Elections Media Community Local Politics
  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.

Chapter 8: Think And Talk About Opponents As Little As Possible | Building YIMBYs of NoVA

Cornerstone • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advocacy Housing Coalition building Public Discourse
  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.

In Colorado: Wheelchair Repair Law Is Already Transforming Lives

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Accessibility Advocacy Legislation Mobility Rehabilitation
  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.

How can we get the world to talk about factory farming?

Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter • 6 HN points • 27 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Animal Welfare Media Influencers Narrative Advocacy
  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.

Interested in the U.S. health care system? Here's what you need to know going into 2023.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Policy Advocacy Medicare
  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.

NEW: Rep. Khanna, Rep. Pocan and I go after Medicare Advantage in The Nation

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 28 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Legislation Fraud Insurance Advocacy
  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.

Family faces 18th parole hearing for killer of Frank Carlson, asks for public's help

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 39 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Advocacy Legal system Public Opinion
  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.

At FixFest: Growing a Movement Post-Pandemic

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Repair Sustainability Education Community Advocacy
  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.

NY Governor Signs Slimmed Down Right To Repair Act

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 29 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Governor Lobbying Advocacy
  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 Weekly: November, 28 2022

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Environment Legislation Electronics Advocacy
  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.