The materials that
educate the public and public officials on addiction issues
are the building blocks of its advocacy efforts. To advance
measures that expand treatment, take steps against youth
drinking or broaden eligibility for drug court requires a
passionate, informed constituency. Materials that assist
with advocacy include position papers and the agency’s
Election Guide, which outlines issues such as client-centered
care and provides candidates’ responses to a survey
on a variety of questions related to addiction. Think Advocacy
enlists supporters to translate their passion on issues into
action. Members receive updates on legislation and are sent
Action Alerts to forward to their state representatives when
a bill concerning addiction is up for a vote. In 2007, lawmakers
received 137,000 e-messages from members of NCADD-NJ’s
Think Advocacy network urging them to act on health insurance
parity and other issues.
NCADD-NJ’s Advocacy Leadership Program is designed to foster, support and promote a generation of leaders in New Jersey committed to confronting the state’s most pressing addiction treatment, prevention and recovery issues. The program will accept up to 30 New Jersey residents.
