The Power of Advocacy is a multi-part webinar series designed to help you build confidence and practical skills to create positive change in your community. Through interactive sessions, you’ll learn how to share your story, connect with decision-makers, and use a range of advocacy tools—from individual action to shaping public policy. The series will conclude with an opportunity to put these skills into action during our advocacy trip to Richmond in January.
Register today! One brief registration signs you up for the entire advocacy series.
Next Webinar: Webinar 3
Date: Monday, November 17, 2025 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Title: The Power of Advocacy 103: Turning Experience into Impact
Description:
Advocacy doesn’t happen in isolation. In fact, it is most powerful when it’s personal. This session explores how to turn lived experience into meaningful impact through storytelling. Participants will learn how to identify the key elements of an effective advocacy story, shape personal experiences into compelling messages for different audiences, and build trust and connection through authentic communication. We’ll also discuss how storytelling strengthens relationships with decision-makers, allies, and the broader disability community—demonstrating how, by coming together, we can go further.
In this session, we’ll be joined by two outstanding guest speakers, Jennifer Marshall and Lucy Beadnell, who will share their expertise and insights on how storytelling can create real change.
Guest Speakers:
· Jennifer Marshall
With over a decade of experience in mental health advocacy and nonprofit leadership, Jennifer is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. She co-founded and led This Is My Brave and now serves as Executive Director of Wellness Loudoun.
· Lucy Beadnell
As Director of Advocacy at The Arc of Northern Virginia, Lucy leads efforts to advance disability rights, inclusion, and accessibility. She works with individuals, families, and policymakers to strengthen advocacy networks and ensure people with disabilities have a voice in shaping the systems that impact their lives.