Margaret Moodian, Ed.D., Co-Chair of the Together Women Rise Advocacy Group with RESULTS

I started my advocacy journey in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when I led an international nonprofit called TIAS ARMS. This work resulted in a virtual pen pal program where I partnered with California Congressman Mike Levin’s office and the former Ambassador to South Africa, Eric Bost. In 2021, I joined a fantastic Together Women Rise chapter in Orange County, CA, led by Elizabeth Boretz. Because of my previous experience, I was drawn to their grassroots advocacy group with RESULTS.

I work full-time and am a mother of a young child, so the virtual advocacy training meetings appealed to me. Plus, the incredible leaders Ken Patterson, Director of Grassroots Impact, and Karyne Bury, Manager of Grassroots Impact, both with RESULTS; and Leslye Heilig, a retired pediatrician, were warm, welcoming, and open to sharing their tools of the trade to make a positive impact with global policy impacting women and children. The training sessions are inspiring and empowering. As a group, we have had several successful congressional meetings and had letters to the editor published, among other accomplishments. Some examples of what we have advocated for include Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, and the READ Act.  We take action during the sessions. Sometimes, we draft letters to the editor, and other times, we call to let our congress members know what we are advocating for at that time. Peer pressure is an effective tool. It can also make all the difference to have the support and encouragement. 

I could not say no when Karyne wrote to me and asked if I would co-chair the Rise advocacy group with Susan Wright, who is retired from USAID. It has been a transformative experience. The last training meeting was held on Tuesday, August 20, at 8:30 p.m. EDT; like the others, it was full of enlightening information. Sadly, it was Ken Patterson’s (our RESULTS Co-Chair) last meeting since he is retiring, but he left us with some fantastic advocacy takeaways. He reiterated the effectiveness of PUPO: “Persistence Usually Pays Off.” Also, using stories and local perspectives is critical to impacting policy. Stories resonate so much more than facts and figures with elected officials and staffers since people remember them and can sometimes relate to them. I have learned through this group that we do not use other people’s stories; we share stories of our own that relate to what we are championing. Advocacy is foreign to most people, so for those new to it, we must share the tools to succeed, including breaking the process down, helping them see success, and dealing with the discomfort of learning something new.

We would be thrilled to have you join us in advocating for vital US assistance programs for women and girls. If you want to learn more, join us on Tuesday, September 24 at 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 pm PT for a special webinar, open to everyone in the Rise community, called “How to Maximize Your Power for Change.” At this webinar, you will hear from Together Women Rise CEO Beverley Francis Gibson, Rise grantee Integrate Health; Terry VanHorne, former aide to Rep. Levin’s office, as well as other Advocacy Group members who will share how advocacy has transformed them and their perception of what it means to “Be the change.” Consider how grassroots advocacy can be impactful. It is empowering, providing you with the tools to impact policy and influence decisions. We drive policy change as a group, fostering civic engagement and active participation in democracy. The more we engage in this way, the more powerful we become. Joining this group is a way to make meaningful and lasting change worldwide. 

I have learned so much from this incredible group, giving me a sense of purpose in these challenging times. It is a community of like-minded individuals working for the good of the global community. Everyone can make a positive impact; you just need the right tools, and we are here to provide them. 

Following our special webinar next month, we will continue to meet every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 pm PT.  We hope you will join us at our upcoming meetings. If you have questions, please email advocacy@togetherwomenrise.org. 

The Together Women Rise Advocacy Group meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month except as noted below. To sign up for monthly meetings, you may officially join the chapter here: http://tinyurl.com/JoinRiseAdvocacyChapter. 

Tuesday, September 24 at 8:30 pm ET, “How to Maximize Your Power for Change.” Register here

Together Women Rise Advocacy Group Monthly Webinars

• Tuesday, October 15 at 8:30 PM ET/ 5:30 pm PT
• Tuesday, November 19 at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 pm PT
• Tuesday, December 17 at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 pm PT