Module 3 – Advocacy as Leadership

Advocacy is not separate from occupational therapy practice. It is a core expression of it. As occupational therapy practitioners, we are uniquely positioned to recognize barriers to participation, amplify the voices of individuals and communities, and influence systems that shape health, access, and equity. This module reframes advocacy as an essential leadership skill grounded in our professional responsibility to support occupational justice across contexts.

In this module, participants will explore how advocacy operates across multiple levels, from individual client interactions to organizational, community, and policy systems. Through a systems thinking lens, learners will analyze complex practice scenarios to identify meaningful opportunities for change. Participants will also hear from Nevada advocacy champions who will share real-world insights, experiences, and strategies for engaging in advocacy across diverse settings.

Emphasis will be placed on developing practical skills in stakeholder mapping, coalition building, and strategic communication, supporting participants in moving from awareness to action. Participants will build foundational policy literacy with a focus on Nevada’s legislative process to better understand how decisions are made and how occupational therapy practitioners can effectively engage.

Through storytelling and digital advocacy, learners will practice crafting compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences, including policymakers, communities, and professional networks. This module is designed to move beyond theory and support the development of tangible advocacy tools that can be directly applied in practice.

By the end of this experience, participants will not only understand advocacy as leadership, but will be prepared to embody it in ways that are intentional, strategic, and grounded in the values of occupational therapy.