Exploring Advocacy Avenues

As a person with narcolepsy, it’s important for me to find accessible ways to advocate for our community. As a person with severe Type 1 narcolepsy, I constantly feel like I am falling behind in life. Even keeping up with basic self-care tasks, like my own hygiene and health, can be overwhelming to me.

Different types of advocacy

It is difficult for me to stick to one avenue of advocacy. Without changing it up every once in a while, it can be easier for me to experience burnout! Not to mention, having a variety of ways to advocate allows me the freedom of switching advocacy mediums when I am feeling low-energy. The more accessible the advocacy, the better.

Exploring different avenues of advocacy is one of my favorite activities! It gives me the freedom of expression. I learn new skills while I’m at it, too. When you are constantly exploring different ways of advocacy, you become a jack-of-all-trades. Not to mention, it makes your message more accessible to the public as well!

When you explore different ways of advocating, you can spread information to different kinds of people! Ultimately my goal as a narcolepsy advocate is to inform as many people as possible about what it is like to live with narcolepsy. Targeting different groups of people is one way that I am able to do that!

Art

Art is one of my favorite ways to advocate for people with narcolepsy. There are so many mediums to choose from. From painting, to comics, to graphic art - the options are endless! One of my favorite things about making art is that I can communicate emotions that are difficult to put into words.

The written word

Another strong contender for narcolepsy advocacy is through the written word. This can be a powerful tool. I mean, you’re reading this article right now, aren’t you? Some examples of ways in which narcolepsy representation can take place in this category include through books, articles, essays, poetry, and much, much more.

Social media platforms

The power of social media to create social change should never be underestimated. Websites like Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, and YouTube are designed to provide a constant feed of information to their users. This means that people are often exposed to new ideas and communities while using these websites.

Many narcolepsy advocates use social media to spread awareness about narcolepsy. You can even use these websites to connect with other people with narcolepsy! I have added so many friends on Instagram who also suffer from narcolepsy. Watching their journeys is so validating, since we experience similar struggles. It’s good to know that I am not alone.

The spoken word

Finally, sharing your narcolepsy story verbally can be a powerful experience. Some ways that I have shared my story in the past include on podcasts, at narcolepsy conferences, in video interviews, in narcolepsy support groups, and more. In addition to reaching many people this way, it also feels very healing. Talking about narcolepsy and the struggles I, and many in the community, experience is empowering, too.

What are some of your favorite avenues of advocacy? Do you think you'll explore new ways of advocating after reading this article? Share with us in the comments below!