Recovery Voices. Real Policy. Lasting Change.
Advocacy is how we turn lived experience into laws that work, for housing, healthcare, harm reduction, and every young person building a life in recovery.
What Is Advocacy?
Advocacy is the act of supporting, recommending, or speaking out on behalf of policies and practices that create a more just and supportive world for people in recovery.
- Championing harm reduction and recovery support policies
- Engaging with lawmakers and community leaders
- Educating the public on issues affecting young people in recovery
Why It Matters
Advocacy is essential because it changes what's possible for the next young person who needs recovery support.
- Changes policy: laws shape access to treatment, housing, education, and jobs
- Elevates lived experience: our voices can shift narratives and reduce stigma
- Empowers communities: civic engagement builds resilient recovery ecosystems
A Year of Grassroots Advocacy
YPR chapters across the country reported a remarkable 622 advocacy initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels, policy engagement, community education, legislative outreach, and campaigns to expand recovery support services.
Colorado chapters led with 229 advocacy activities, California reported 270, and Kentucky contributed 84, plus 10 from the Ohio Volunteer Chapter and 17 from the Utah Chapter.
Recovery Capital in Action
Recovery happens when people have access to the resources, relationships, and communities that support long-term wellness. YPR's 2026 advocacy strengthened all three domains.
Personal Capital
- Housing
- Employment
- Healthcare
- Reentry support
- Financial stability
Social Capital
- Peer support
- Recovery community
- Family preservation
- Community connections
Cultural Capital
- Reducing stigma
- Evidence-based care
- Expanding recovery representation in policy
State & National Highlights
The real bills and policies YPR chapters tracked and supported during the 2026 legislative session.
National 5 +
Colorado 7 +
Kentucky 4 +
Opposed & Stopped 1 +
Links open official government and legislative-tracking sites.
Chapter leads in their own words, the advocacy they've carried into their communities and statehouses.
I felt empowered to testify because sharing these final steps can make a difference and save lives.
I use my voice to speak up for those who are often unseen and overlooked.
The first part of advocacy is getting over the fear.
Substance use disorder is a community issue. It's a we problem, and it takes all of us to fix it.
Get Involved in Ongoing Campaigns.
Advocacy in Action: Impact Highlights
Good Samaritan Law Campaign
In partnership with local leaders, the Arapahoe chapter educated 192 community members across the county on the protections and importance of Colorado's Good Samaritan Law.
- Increased overdose reporting confidence
- Connected communities with naloxone resources
- Inspired local engagement and media attention
Louisville, KY
Mobilized a city-wide Day of Action for fentanyl testing strip access.
Lima, OH
Continues educating the community on harm reduction and advocates for safer use through the Growbriety program.
Want to Feature Your Chapter?
Share your chapter's advocacy story to be featured on this page.
Understanding the Moment
What we know+
What is the recent budget package Congress passed? What will we see next with harm reduction funding? How will the Executive Order affect the opioid epidemic? What is Congress doing to fund SAMHSA and other key programs?
What's next+
Understanding the timeline for the budget bill's key provisions, and what happens at each stage before it becomes law.
What can we do+
How to share your personal story to advocate and educate for change, and how we mobilize collectively to take action.
Learn More
Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out to our Director of Advocacy for further assistance.
Email the Advocacy Team622 initiatives started with one person deciding to speak up. Yours could be next.