PURPOSE:
Our cause is a health and safety issue, a human rights issue - like
violence or homelessness - that impacts upon everyone in society.
Our Mission Statement: "To advocate for the rights of
chemically dependent persons and their families and to enhance services and
education."
Our primary purpose is threefold: reduce stigma, influence health
care policy, and to support prevention and treatment.
MEMBERSHIP:
The Advocates support a Broad-based membership that includes anyone
concerned about the cause of chemical dependency.
There is strong representation from persons in recovery, family and
community members.
Includes chemical dependency professionals, who join us as private
citizens, but who can help provide direction and knowledge of problems to be faced.
The broad sense of membership provides "safety" and
"anonymity" for all who participate; instills a sense of pride that our efforts
are taken seriously by policy makers; and creates a united voice for the need of services,
resources, and support for individuals at risk for the disease of chemical addiction.
The Finger Lakes Advocates stress community education, advocacy, community forums, open
and honest discussion, and joining of forces with other advocacy groups with similar
missions across New York State.
