After losing her daughter Abby to suicide, Beverly Goldberg joined AFSP for our annual State Capitol Day events, where volunteer Field Advocates meet with state representatives to tell their stories and explain the importance of legislation related to mental health and suicide prevention. 

Volunteers don’t need previous advocacy experience to make a difference. Beverly was new to advocacy when she joined AFSP but has since taken part in advocacy email and phone campaigns, shared testimony to support key suicide prevention legislation, and met with policymakers including state legislators, members of Congress, and Governor Tony Evers. Now, Beverly is a member of AFSP’s Public Policy Council. Her advice for new advocates:

“When you’re talking to an elected official – or anyone, really – try to communicate your passion. That passion can be contagious. People are receptive. You can find that common bond, that common acceptance along the way. Try to meet someone on a personal level, just as another person.” (Read more about Beverly Goldberg and her experience as an AFSP volunteer Field Advocate.)

We hope you’ll join Beverly and thousands of volunteer Field Advocates in making a difference during this year’s State Capitol Day events. Your story is powerful. Your voice matters.

To discover State Capitol Day events in your area, find your local AFSP chapter.