Ohio Citizen Advocates for Chemical Dependency Prevention and Treatment

Ohio Citizen Advocates is working to empower people in recovery, their family members, and other allies to become effective advocates for policies and services that support their sustained recovery and to reduce the stigma associated with addiction. To accomplish this, OCA is organizing recovery community advocacy groups in five regions of the state - southwest, northwest, central, southeast, and northeast Ohio.

PROGRAM GOALS:

Facilitate participation of people in recovery, their family members and other allies in the planning, design, delivery, and evaluation of prevention, treatment and recovery policies, systems, and services.
Strengthen the ability of recovery community groups to bring about positive changes in policy and public perceptions through training and leadership development.
Promote links among recovery community members and with local, state, and national policymakers and service delivery systems.
Conduct public education to help reduce the stigma associated with addiction, treatment and recovery.

To get involved in your area of the state or for more information click here to contact OCA.

TRAINING

Ohio Citizen Advocates offers training at no cost to groups and organizations on two topics. These trainings can be provided at your site and will be tailored to your audience.

ADVOCACY -- This training will teach you the nuts and bolts of becoming an effective advocate. Topics include:

·         Forming a grassroots network

·         Educating legislators about your needs.

·         Working with the media

·         The difference between advocacy and lobbying

·         Strategies to educate the public

STIGMA -- This training explores the nature and roots of stigma and identifies ways to fight it. Topics include:

·         Historical overview

·         Examination of personal beliefs

·         Stigma in your workplace and community

·         Strategies to eliminate Stigma

For more information click "free training".

Trainings may be arranged by contacting OCA by e-mail (click here) or by calling us at 614/486-2430 or Toll Free at 888-229-1285.