For Grace encourages women in pain to access a great, new advocacy resource, In the Face of Pain, to bring to your community awareness of the pain gender divide through media, legislation and civic groups.
Please view Ms. Toussaint’s contribution to this tool kit at the bottom of this page for inspiration!
Here are three easy and effective ideas to get your voice heard. Suggestions: before taking an action, please review our Media Kit’s introductory letter and fact sheet. Also, practice telling your personal story in a succinct, powerful way:
Call your local newspaper and pitch your story. You can start with the main operator. Be polite, friendly and confident. Tell that person you have a health related story you’d like to pitch and ask them to transfer you to the right source (remember to jot down that name and number.) It may take many calls before you get to the correct editor/writer. Again state your name and tell him/her that you have a health related story to pitch. Then immediately ask, “Is this a good time for you?” Always back up the gender disparity issue with your personal story.
Speak at your church or a local civic organization (Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, etc.) about your pain experience and challenges in obtaining quality care. Look civic orgs up in the phone book or on the Internet, then put in a call. You may get passed around at first, but you will eventually be put in touch with the individual who books the speakers. Let your passion soar as you introduce yourself and tell him/her the importance of the gender disparity issue.
Phone a local legislator (City councilmember, County supervisor, State Senator, etc.) and speak to their staffer about pain and the gender divide. Again, back your appeal with your personal story. Then ask the staffer (who recommends their favorite ideas to the legislator they work for) to proclaim a Women In Pain Awareness Day, Week or Month. Here is suggested language. Legislators are always looking for worthy causes to spotlight because it makes them look good. A definite win-win! And remember, once you succeed you will get televised speaking time when receiving the proclamation.
Important notes: When you get an article placed, obtain a speaking engagement or get a legislator to enact a proclamation, ALWAYS send a hand-written thank you note. They’ll never forget you for it, and you’ll most likely be back! Also, it’s normal to be nervous at first. We like to say just think of For Grace’s logo. That “butterfly” means you’re ALIVE…
Please e-mail your advocacy successes to us and we’ll post them on our online community to celebrate together! Good luck, stay determined and thank you in advance for your great work!!
Enjoy the In the Face of Pain advocacy tool kit for other great ideas. Be empowered today! Women In Pain, let your voices be heard!!
