Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum

Since its inception in 2003, the Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum has trained 239 advocacy leaders who form an incredible network of neurology advocates throughout the United States and fifteen other countries: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Jamaica, Japan, Georgia, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Join these advocates who are working on critical issues important to the future of neurology and patients who suffer from neurologic disease.

The Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum's curriculum revolves around three main components:

Action Planning

• Developing an advocacy "treatment plan"
• Learning how to resolve your specific issue
• Breaking your target into S.M.A.R.T. goals
  • SMART = Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely

Media Training

• Increasing public awareness of your issue
  For example, Mamta B. Singh, MBBS, MD, DM has been featured in several news articles that highlight the need for better treatment of nearly 10 million Indians living with epilepsy
• Building relationships with local media
  Once reporters view you as a resource, they will keep coming back for more
• Developing your interview skills and learning how to form your message
  Graduates can succinctly express their core message, as shown in the video clips below
• Feeling confident in front of the camera
  The Forum gives Advocates the abilities to confidently answer "tough questions"

Grassroots Legislative Training

• Understanding the legislative outcome your issue requires by learning how each level of government works
• Conducting mock legislative visits
• Learning how to effectively testify in front of a governmental body
• Effectively building relationships with the right people

Graduate Benefits

After completing the Palatucci Forum, graduates have access to exclusive advocacy resources including the Palatucci Advocacy listserv, making it easy to communicate and share ideas with all past program participants. Graduates also have access to the online advocacy blog, which allows them to share their stories, journal their progress, and track other graduates advocacy activities. Other benefits include receiving periodic updates through The Palatucci Connection newsletter, the ability to apply to come to future Forums as an Advisor, and being eligible for the annual Palatucci Advocate of the Year Award.

Graduates Share Their Issues