Vic DiGravio, Riverside President & CEO, has decades of experience in the public policy realm and continues to champion initiatives to protect and expand access to behavioral health and human services. Before joining Riverside, Vic served for 12 years as President & CEO of the Association for Behavioral Healthcare, where he successfully advocated for improved access to mental healthcare and substance use treatment, including Chapters 257 and 258. He has also served as the Director of Public Policy for Easter Seals Massachusetts and the Chief of Staff to Massachusetts Senate Majority Leader Fred Berry.
Fueled by insights from his advocacy career, Vic answered the following five questions to help advocates make their voices heard.
1. What is public policy advocacy?
Vic: Let’s break this question into two parts to be sure we understand what we mean when we say, “public policy.” I think the best definition of public policy was coined by Melissa Mackay and Louise Shaxton. “Public policy is what the government chooses to do, or not to do. It’s a decision made by the government to either act or not act in order to resolve a problem.”
Meanwhile, advocacy consists of actions taken by individuals, organizations, or coalitions to influence policymakers’ decisions. There are various advocacy types and methods, but they all involve supporting a specific cause or objective. Successful public policy advocacy focuses on holding policymakers at all levels of government accountable by amplifying important issues via email, social media, in-person meetings, and other channels.
2. What are the keys to public policy advocacy?
Vic: Whether you’re advocating on your own or as part of a group, following these five rules will help you reach your advocacy goals.
- Rule 1: Be Prepared
Investigate the arguments on both sides of the issue, rehearse a memorable elevator pitch, and ensure you have a clear “ask,” such as requesting their vote for a specific bill.
- Rule 2: Be Focused
Presenting multiple issues or requests simultaneously can dilute your message and diminish your effectiveness. Limit each advocacy encounter to one issue or “ask.” There will always be other opportunities to address additional concerns.
- Rule 3: Be Respectful
Assume that policymakers genuinely want to make a difference. Act courteously even if they disagree with your position or fail to treat you respectfully.
- Rule 4: Tell The Truth
In the world of public policy advocacy, credibility is your most valuable currency. When engaging with officials or their staff, be completely honest. If you don’t know the answer, just say so and offer to follow up with the requested information. Always avoid providing false or inaccurate information.
- Rule 5: Relationships Matter
Strong, professional relationships are critical to all forms of advocacy. Treat every interaction with a policymaker as an opportunity to build a genuine connection that can extend beyond a single meeting or issue.
Left to right: Samantha O’Reilly from Senator Cynthia Stone Creem’s Office, Representative Tom Stanley, Representative Amy Sangiolo, Ellen Gibson from Representative Greg Schwartz’s Office, Vic DiGravio (Riverside President & CEO), Marjorie Pearson (Program Director, Riverside’s Newton Outpatient Center, and Regina L. (Person Served) met in our Newton Outpatient Center to discuss the importance of continued funding for Medicaid.
3. What’s the most effective form of public policy advocacy?
Vic: Making your individual voice heard is important, but collective action is always more successful than unilateral advocacy. Advocacy coalitions, whether formal or informal, bring increased attention to relevant issues, and their greater numbers make policymakers more responsive. If a politician must decide between championing a bill that will satisfy an advocacy group with thousands of constituents or another bill backed by just a few individuals, they’re likely to support the former bill.
In terms of individual advocacy, face-to-face meetings with policymakers are most likely to influence their decisions. Consider sharing a powerful anecdote about the specific people affected by the issue at hand. This narrative can stick with the policymaker after the meeting, especially if you have data to back up your story.
4. What is not commonly known about advocacy?
Vic: People might be unaware that engaging in advocacy is exercising their constitutional right to petition the government. Whether you’re a seasoned lobbyist or a first-time community organizer, no external force – be it political pressure, institutional resistance, or personal doubt – should ever prevent you from raising awareness about issues that matter.
Additionally, public policy advocacy is often about strategic compromise instead of absolute victories. Remember that “half a loaf is almost always better than nothing,” and partial policy wins can establish important precedents and foundations for future advances. However, one notable exception exists around budget cuts. Public policy advocates must take principled stands against proposals that threaten the health, safety, or dignity of any community.
(Left to right) Val Pierre (Program Director, Somerville Outpatient Center), Vic DiGravio (Riverside President & CEO), Representative Ericka Uyterhoeven, Brandi Ditch (Vice President, Behavioral Health Services), and Liz Ganz from the Association for Behavioral Healthcare met in Somerville to advocate for increased Medicaid funding.
5. Why does advocacy matter right now?
Vic: Advocacy always matters. It strengthens democracy and fosters social progress.
For Riverside specifically, advocacy has become increasingly vital due to the dramatic shifts in federal public policy, including proposed Medicaid cuts. Medicaid, known locally as MassHealth, is fundamental to Riverside’s mission, since about 70% of the individuals receiving our services are MassHealth members, and many of our services are funded by Medicaid either directly or indirectly. Riverside embraces its responsibility to advocate for policies that support the individuals, families, and communities we serve – in fact, advocacy is one of our six core values.
Many other people and organizations are facing similar challenges and might be feeling helpless. Advocacy empowers us to stand up for what we believe in and is the most effective form of driving lasting systemic changes.
