AUGUST THEME: Advocacy

“When enough people come together, then change will come and we can achieve almost anything. So instead of looking for hope — start creating it.”

~ Greta Thunberg

Think of the last time you collaborated with another person. What was the task at hand? Were you working on a huge project that needed more opinions and perspectives? Or were you just looking for gentle encouragement on a simple task? Whatever form the collaboration took, ADVOCACY most likely came in handy whether you were speaking up for yourself and your ideas or championing the needs of others.

According to the Missouri Foundation for Health, advocacy is “any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others.” As caregivers, we often find ourselves in advocate roles as we work to ensure our loved ones receive the care they need. In addition to advocating for our loved ones, we may also advocate for our own needs and for the needs of other caregivers.

The West Virginia University Health Science Center defines three different types of advocacy: self-advocacy, individual advocacy, and systems advocacy.

Self-advocacy relates to how we are able to communicate our own needs and defend our rights. We engage in self-advocacy when we understand our own needs, believe in ourselves, and communicate effectively with others.
Individual advocacy refers to when one or several people work together to protect the rights of another person. We become individual advocates when we nurture our support networks and speak up on behalf of our loved ones.
Systems Advocacy focuses on changing institutional policies, laws, and rules in order to protect groups of people. When we share our stories, join campaigns, and volunteer with dedicated advocacy groups, we are participating in systems advocacy.

Through advocacy, we are able to build relationships with others and be reminded of how connected we are to those around us. We do not have to go it alone. Instead, we can discover strength, community, and meaning. By finding hope and support in one another, we can heal and recover together.

No voice is too soft when that voice speaks for others.

- Janna Cachola

THEME AFFIRMATIONS
Use affirmations to inspire you or reframe your thoughts

By nurturing my support network, I reduce isolation and stress.
I stay patient with my emotions and remind myself I am doing what I can.
My relationships become stronger when I am honest and open in my communication.
I am an advocate.

APPS FOR GUIDED MEDITATION

CaringBridge - This app offers a space for multiple caregivers and family members to share pertinent information, such as updates, encouragement, and arranging care.
Smiling Mind - This app helps support mental fitness for all ages through skill-training and habit-building.
Remente - This app has several different mental health modules including goal plans, personal development articles, journal, planner, goal settings guide, tips on good communication and leadership.
IanaCare - This app was designed to equip and empower caregivers with the resources and support they need. It provides the ability to organize caregiver teams and request or receive help from family and friends.

ARTICLES

How Social Support Contributes to Psychological Health - This article discusses how different kinds of social support can support our mental health.
Stress Management: Techniques and Strategies to Deal with Stress - This article dives into how we can more effectively manage stress.

Communication Tips for Caregivers - This article provides suggestions for how caregivers can effectively communicate with family, loved ones, and health care professionals.
Caregiving Advocacy - The National Alliance for Caregiving provides a list of ways we can advocate for caregivers in the United States.

PODCASTS

Why Friendships Matter More Than We Think - This podcast episode explores the power of friendship in our lives.
Happiness Break: Who Takes Care of You? With Dacher Keltner - This meditation helps us recognize those who support us in our lives.
Resolving Conflict - This podcast episode examines how we can resolve conflicts in our personal and professional lives.
How to Confront the Things That Suck - This podcast episode discusses how we can tackle problems head-on and avoid giving into despair.

BOOKS

My Other Heart - This novel by Emma Nanami Strenner explores the friendship between two women as they search for their true identities.
The Stress-Proof Brain -This book by Melanie Greenberg examines why we experience stress and how we can change our outlooks.
How to Talk to Anyone - This book by Leil Lowndes provides 92 tips for how we can communicate better with other people.
Nothing More of This Land - This book by Joseph Lee shares the stories of Indigenous activists, families, and communities from around the world.

You are never alone

As we approach Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month in September, we are taking the time to once again share our favorite resources.

You can find our own collection of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Resources on our website here.

And ... don't forget about our Information Resource sheets, including this one, focused on caregivers supporting someone living with suicidal ideation, available on our website here.

Suicide and crisis support has NEVER been easier! Just call 988 for the suicide and crisis LIFEline!

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Our next QPR Suicide Prevention Training will be Thursday, September 24 at 7 pm ET. Please register here to receive the Zoom link. You need only register for ONE two-hour session. Space is limited for each session, so please register only for a time you know you can attend so spaces don't fill up and prevent others from attending.

August's Book Club is TODAY - Friday, August 29 at 11 am ET on ZOOM. We will be discussing Michele Sullivan's TedTalk "Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness" - A heartwarming and empowering talk about how everyone needs support - and how asking for help can lead to a deeper connection and resilience.

JOIN US FOR AUGUST'S BOOK CLUB TODAY!

If you're interested in joining our Monthly Book Club Mailing List - subscribe via link 👉 for monthly reminders and updates!

September's Book Club will be held on Friday, September 26 at 11 am ET.

JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB MAILING LIST

September's theme is TENACITY. Next month, we will be exploring persistence, realistic optimism, and coping mechanisms. With micro-goals, it’s easier to take the next right step - as Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step.” Check out September's Micro-Challenges Calendar here.

Courage to Caregivers Breathing Practice for September: Equal Breath

As we support caregivers to make breathing and meditation a practice, we're pleased to share our Breathing Meditation Facilitator Cathy and her monthly breathing practice how-to videos. You can join us for September's Breathing Practice. Equal breath is a simple, accessible breath that can bring instantaneous calm, supporting both body and mind. You can watch September's instructional video for Equal Breath here, and remember to subscribe to our 2025 Monthly Breathing Practices playlist to stay updated each month. You can also subscribe to our Breathing Meditation playlist, where we have four years of our weekly breathing meditation recordings, and follow along on our Spotify Breathing Meditation playlist.

The mission of Courage to Caregivers is to empower and equip carers to navigate their journey. We envision a world where healthy carers lead to healthier families and communities. We're in the caregiver burnout prevention business!