02/12/2026

OPRA's Invitation to Impact

How OPRA does its work through Advocacy.

OPRA has learned over the years that advocacy isn’t something separate from service delivery.  It’s not a side activity or something reserved for a few people.  Advocacy shows up when providers speak honestly about what’s happening on the ground, when frontline professionals’ experiences are taken seriously, and when decisions are shaped by the real lives of the people we support.

At OPRA, we like to say, “Always Be Advocating.” Advocacy means showing up consistently, building relationships, raising concerns, sharing data and stories, and having ongoing conversations with state leaders about what’s working and what isn’t.  Sometimes those conversations are easy.  Sometimes they’re not.  But they’re always grounded in the belief that our system can do better.

That’s why advocacy is one of OPRA’s CARE pillars – Community, Advocacy, Resources, Experiences – and why it’s more effective when we do it together instead of alone.

As a reminder, during the month of March, you’re invited to join our Friday Five calls to get a feel for the OPRA community—including how advocacy shows up in our work week to week.  No pressure, just an opportunity to listen in, see the community in action, and consider if you want to be part of it.

You can view the one-pager invite HERE that shares more information about OPRA's community and how to tune in.

You can also learn more about OPRA membership and benefits here.