HoG Launches New Bleeding Disorder Advocates Program
In February, fourteen very dedicated and enthusiastic Georgians completed the bleeding disorder advocate (BDA) training. This new program was launched by Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG) in the fall of 2016 with a series of informational conference calls discussing the initiative. The goal of the BDA program is to have trained advocates throughout the state.
The bleeding disorder advocates will be able to meet with their local legislators to talk about issues of importance to our community as well as attend Hemophilia of Georgia Day at the Capitol and the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) Washington Days. Some have already attended client events to talk with others with bleeding disorders about their policy concerns.
At the February training, the advocates learned about advocacy, lobbying, and how HoG determines what policy initiatives to pursue. Nichelle Sims, HoG's Associate Director of Research and Advocacy, led a discussion of advocacy principles and conducted exercises to improve public speaking skills.
• "I learned how to speak effectively to legislators and tell my story."
• "I learned how to create an elevator speech that I can use with strangers or representatives."
• "I learned advocacy tools that will help in my efforts to raise awareness about the bleeding disorder community."
HoG is still recruiting participants to the program. It is open to people in Georgia with bleeding disorders, their family members, and friends. Be a strong voice for the bleeding disorder community. Contact Nichelle Sims at npsims@hog.org or 770-518-8272 for more information.