Alcohol and other drug addiction is the cause of serious human, social and financial consequences for individuals, families and all communities in Massachusetts. Every aspect of our social service, health care and criminal justice systems bear significant financial burdens due to addiction. It is time to address this problem by seeking adequate funding for prevention, treatment and recovery support services and improved legislation and public policies.

The purpose of this training is to identify and train a network of new advocates. We hope to recruit a broad range of interested people to attend our training to learn how to advocate and the strategies needed to take action. Our goal is to achieve major improvements in state funding, legislation and policies by building a large cadre of advocates and leaders for alcohol and other drug issues.

Co-sponsored by Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Corporations of Massachusetts, Inc., the Institutes will provide the latest information, strategies and skills so that participants feel comfortable and confident when advocating for funding or policies. The expectation for participants is that they will attend a one-day institute and participate in opportunities to advocate and network with local and state leaders in the future.

Training dates available are:

• Western Mass: Friday, June 12
  Community Foundation of Western Mass, Springfield
  
  
• Metro Suburban: Friday, June 19
  Brandeis University, Waltham
  
  
• Northeast Mass: Thursday, June 25
  Northshore Recovery High School, Beverly

For more information or to apply to participate, please download the brochure and application (PDF, 341 KB).

Completed applications may be faxed to 617-423-6626 or emailed to MOARmellisa@aol.com. Postal mail submissions are also acceptable. Please call 617-423-6627 with any questions.