At?[AFSP]([link removed]), our mission is to save lives and bring?hope?to those affected by suicide.

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[State Capitol Day]([link removed])

Each year, AFSP Volunteer Advocates gather at state capitol buildings across the country for State Capitol Day events. These events are an exciting opportunity for advocates to raise awareness about smart mental health and suicide prevention policy, and urge legislators to support legislation that can help save lives.

Terri Lavely, board chair of AFSP's Vermont chapter, is one of many Volunteer Advocates who make a difference at annual State Capitol Day events. She initially connected with AFSP following the loss of her 18-year-old nephew, and in 2018, she attended her first State Capitol Day event and Advocacy 101 training:

"Advocacy 101 teaches volunteers how to safely share their personal story to advocate for legislation at both the state and federal level. It empowers everyday people to have a voice, and encourage changes to systems that will positively impact people. The training was held on my birthday, and it felt like a gift to learn how to advocate and make a difference. We learned about the current legislative priorities for our state, and how to connect and follow up with our elected representatives. I left that training feeling like I could share with the President of the United States if I needed to, and feel no anxiety about it." [(Read more of Terri's story in our 2022 Annual Report.)]([link removed])

Since first attending AFSP's Vermont State Capitol Day event in 2018, Terri has returned every year to help facilitate Advocacy 101 and connect with legislators about the state's policy priorities. You can join Terri and thousands of other advocates by registering for a State Capitol Day event in your state.

[Register for an event near you]([link removed])

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
199 Water St. 11th Floor New York, NY 10038