Advocacy 2026

Advocacy – it’s not a bad word.

There are three major types of advocacy: self-advocacy, individual advocacy, and systems advocacy.

Self advocacy means identifying your unique voice and creating your “brand.” It’s a variation of having that 30 second elevator pitch ready to go. Individual advocacy means learning how to advocate for others, as mentors and sponsors, elevating the presence and inclusion of others. Systems advocacy means knowing how to assert yourself into decision-making processes and using management strategies to make change happen.

That said, I just returned from the ASA’s Legislative Conference (LEGCON) last week. This is definitely a systems advocacy event. Leading the California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA) delegation was fun and exhausting. We visited 29 offices with a total of 16 people, including 6 residents and medical students.

I also got to visit my friend and former Assemblymember, Evan Low. He’s now working at the Victory Fund.