Who We Are and Why We Did This
The reason a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is because it usually goes around wearing overalls looking like hard work.
-- Thomas Edison
The Health Advocacy Toolbox is a project of the Connecticut Health Policy Project, with generous support from the Connecticut Health Foundation.
Founded in 1999, the Connecticut Health Policy Project is a non-profit, non-partisan research and educational organization, dedicated to improving access to affordable quality health care for all Connecticut residents. We’ve received funding from a wide variety of groups including foundations, providers, government, community groups and generous individuals. Click here for more information on who we are.
There are many motivated, potential health care advocates who feel confused about how to really make a difference and where to start. Many feel disaffected and helpless to change policies that aren’t working for people. Some mistakenly believe that it takes a lot of money or time to be effective. Too many believe that systems are extremely complex and only professionals can have an impact.
The truth is that average citizens with minimal time commitments, can be very effective and it doesn’t have to cost anything. Policymakers are very moved by real stories from real people. All that is needed are motivation, persistence, and the right tools.
This Toolbox was built to give you the skills you need to change policy and improve lives. The Toolbox starts where people generally begin – with a problem that they feel needs addressing. The Decision Tree helps decide which tool will be most effective to get the change you need.
The goal of the Toolbox is skill development that people will use to benefit their own issues. You will not find an endorsement of any position, candidate, party, or anything else in the Toolbox. We are not creating a grassroots campaign to advocate on our issues. The tools are here for anyone to use.
We do not collect information on who visits this site. If you choose to provide us with feedback in the form at the bottom of the page or sign up for our newsletter with updates on health advocacy in Connecticut, we will not share your information with anyone.
It is our hope that the Toolbox provides a realistic framework of information and resources for interested consumers to make your voices heard with the strength that comes from knowledge – drawing back the curtain on what can appear to be a closed process.