--- title: Patient Rising Advocacy Course description: Master healthcare advocacy skills in this intensive course series that transforms patients and caregivers into effective policy advocates. --- [![Patients Rising](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/PatientsRising-u4m/templates/images/patients_rising_logo.png?width=120&height=900&name=patients_rising_logo.png "Patients Rising")](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/) - Policy Center - - [Policy Framework ](https://www.patientsrising.org/policy) - [Affordability ](https://www.patientsrising.org/policy/affordability) - [Accountability ](https://www.patientsrising.org/policy/accountability) - [Innovation ](https://www.patientsrising.org/policy/innovation) - [Federal Healthcare Policy ](https://www.patientsrising.org/policy/federal) - [Learning Center ](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/) - - [LEAD Education ](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/lead) - [Our Community ](https://www.patientsrising.org/our-community) - [Patient Senate ](https://www.patientsrising.org/patient-senate) - Insights - - [All Posts ](https://www.patientsrising.org/advocacy-updates) - [PR Magazine ](https://www.patientsrising.org/pr-magazine) - [Patient Stories ](https://www.patientsrising.org/advocacy-updates/tag/patient-stories) - [Medical Bankruptcy in America ](https://www.patientsrising.org/medical-bankruptcy-america) - [State of the Patient Podcast ](https://www.patientsrising.org/state-of-the-patient-podcast) - Get Involved - - [Share Your Story ](https://www.patientsrising.org/storyshare) - [Become an Advocate ](https://www.patientsrising.org/become-an-advocate) - [Join the Patient Senate ](https://www.patientsrising.org/patient-senate) - [Join Our Community ](https://www.patientsrising.org/community) - [Events ](https://www.patientsrising.org/events) - - [State of the Patient Summit & Rise Awards ](https://www.patientsrising.org/events/summit-and-rise-awards) - [Advocacy Fly-ins ](https://www.patientsrising.org/patients-rising-fly-in) - [Virtual Lunch n' Learns ](https://www.patientsrising.org/events) - Virtual Town Halls - About Us - - [Our Mission ](https://www.patientsrising.org/about-patients-rising) - [Our Principles ](https://www.patientsrising.org/patients-rising-principles) - [Our Team ](https://www.patientsrising.org/team) - [Our Board of Directors ](https://www.patientsrising.org/board) - [Our Advisory Councils ](https://www.patientsrising.org/advisory-council) - [Partners and Coalitions ](https://www.patientsrising.org/partners) - Corporate Partnerships - [Funding & Financial Reports ](https://www.patientsrising.org/financial-transparency) [Donate ](https://patientsrising.org/?form=support-patientsrising) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. THE PATIENT LEARNING CENTER # LEAD: Legislative Education & Advocate Development #### Understand the System. Then Engage Effectively. LEAD is Patients Rising’ advocacy training program for patients and caregivers who want to better understand healthcare policy and engage constructively in shaping it. Through structured education, participants learn how healthcare policy works, how decisions are made, and how patients can participate thoughtfully in those conversations. [ Secure Your Spot ](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIAY55iMLmHGeoa7ndyiyjSJPW4SCLFYapAScETm86tkyypdgzuH36t4ugaLQp2kGKpwKSg3HbJi4YwhLhU%2BnTGUSnllO4Ede04IGLaAMQkU6YU%2FK1LtgGAV1XKTf4gUG9B7ysXJdE6Rw%2Bzm%2F6vUdLSNRl%2FINN11qL6Lb1x%2FU%2BOu%2F8UckDyOVyfW6XGLGqHgrI0xlbOj%2FdOw0T1dSztGYhtfHMCgvFm%2BKE3g9d1Uyz0eDA%3D&portalId=6015202) ![Patients Rising Legislative Advocacy Masterclass](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/hubfs/PatientsRising-u4m/images/Hero%20Images/hero-8.webp) ![Understand-The-System-Then-Fix-It](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/hubfs/Understand-The-System-Then-Fix-It.webp) WHY LEAD EXISTS ## Turning Experience into Effective Advocacy Patients and caregivers often have firsthand experience navigating complex healthcare systems, but little guidance on how policy decisions are made or where patient voices can contribute. LEAD helps bridge that gap. The program provides a clear introduction to healthcare policy and advocacy, helping participants translate personal healthcare experiences into informed, credible engagement. ![alt-content-10](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/hubfs/PatientsRising-u4m/images/Alt%20Content%20Images/alt-content-10.webp) WHO LEAD IS FOR ## Built for Patients and Caregivers LEAD is designed for patients and caregivers who want to understand how healthcare policy works and how to engage thoughtfully in shaping it. Participants may be living with chronic illness, caring for a loved one, or navigating complicated treatment decisions. What they share is a willingness to learn, prepare, and engage constructively in policy conversations. ![Learning-That-Respects-Your-Journey](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/hubfs/Learning-That-Respects-Your-Journey.webp) WHAT PARTICIPANTS LEARN ## Practical Advocacy Knowledge LEAD participants gain a working understanding of how healthcare policy develops and where patients can have meaningful influence. Topics include: • How healthcare policy is developed • Understanding federal and state policy structures • Communicating clearly with legislators and staff • Translating personal experience into credible advocacy • Identifying constructive opportunities to engage ![Maggie and Kids on Hill](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/hubfs/Maggie%20and%20Kids%20on%20Hill.png) LEARNING TOGETHER ## Communities Learning Advocacy Together LEAD cohorts bring together patients and caregivers who want to learn advocacy together while building knowledge, confidence, and connection. Each cohort is organized around a shared community or disease area, allowing participants to learn alongside others navigating similar healthcare challenges. Explore the current LEAD cohorts below. MULTIPLE MYELOMA ### International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) Advocacy training cohort developed in partnership with the **[International Myeloma Foundation](https://www.myeloma.org/)**, helping patients and caregivers better understand healthcare policy and engage constructively in shaping it. [Explore Cohort ](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/lead/cohorts/myeloma) PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME ### Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA Developed in partnership with the [**Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA**](https://www.pwsausa.org/), this LEAD cohort helps patients, caregivers, and families better understand healthcare policy and engage constructively in advocacy. [Explore Cohort ](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/lead/cohorts/prader-willi) SCLERODERMA ### Scleroderma Foundation Affiliates Developed in partnership with several Scleroderma Foundation affiliate chapters including: **[Greater Chicago](https://www.stopscleroderma.org/)**, **[Greater Washington D.C](https://sclerodermadmv.org/).**, and **[California](https://myscleroderma.org/)**,  this LEAD cohort helps patients and caregivers learn advocacy and engage effectively in healthcare policy. [Explore Cohort ](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/lead/cohorts/scleroderma) ## Learning from People Who Know the System Instruction is practical and applied — focused on how systems actually function and how advocates can engage effectively within them. Participants learn from experts who have worked inside legislative, regulatory, and policy-making environments, and who understand what it takes to be credible in those settings. **Module 1: Congress 101 |** Foundations in Legislative Advocacy **Module 2: Step Therapy | **Understand step therapy and how it impacts patient care **Module 3:** **PBMs & Co-Pay Accumulators | **Learn the complex pharmaceutical pricing system **Module 4:** **Price Transparency |** Transparency initiatives and real-world navigation **Module 5: Value-Based Care |** How "value" and "success" are defined and measured in the healthcare system **Module 6: Raise Your Voice | **How advocates can extend their influence through strategic use of formal government processes and media engagement  **Module 7:** **Understanding Value Assessment Frameworks** **Module 8: Advocacy on the Hill |** Learn the practical, professional aspects of Hill advocacy while maintaining a focus on the personal storytelling  **Module 9: FDA Advisory Boards |** Understand FDA Advisory Board Structure & Purpose, and discover patient engagement opportunities and how to deliver effective testimony **Module 10:** **Drug Utilization Review Boards |** Learn the function and composition of DUR Boards and effective advocacy tactics for engaging them **Module 11: Prescription Drug Advisory Boards & Upper Payment Limits |**Understand the origins and structure and the impacts both have on market and innovation **Module 12:** **Storytelling |** Learn how to craft your unique narrative ![alpa](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/hubfs/PatientsRising-u4m/Patient%20Testimonials%20images/webp-format/alpa.webp) “By human’s innate nature, everyone wants to help but they don’t necessarily know how, so sharing our story through advocacy has been a liberating experience as we see results of our efforts in moving the needle forward in getting approvals and support from the community and government.” – Alpa Patient Advocate ![skyler](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/hubfs/PatientsRising-u4m/Patient%20Testimonials%20images/webp-format/skyler.webp) “My motivation is to empower others to be able to live their lives and thrive. The chronic illness and disability community continues to inspire and remind me that representation matters as does education and advocacy! Everyone matters and deserves a chance to live to their fullest potential.” – Skyler Patient Advocate ## Frequently Asked Questions Is there a cost to participate? **LEAD is offered at no cost to participants.** Because the program requires time, preparation, and thoughtful participation, we ask participants to approach the course with seriousness and follow-through. Who is LEAD designed for? **LEAD is designed for patients and caregivers who are ready to engage thoughtfully in healthcare policy and advocacy.** Participants range from those new to policy to more experienced advocates, but all share a willingness to learn, prepare, and engage responsibly. What is the time commitment? **LEAD is a self-paced program consisting of 12 modules that include video instruction, readings, and applied exercises.** Most participants complete the course over 6–12 weeks, though it can be completed more quickly depending on individual schedules and level of engagement. Are there live sessions? **Yes. LEAD includes optional live sessions scheduled throughout the course.** These sessions provide additional context, discussion, and Q&A. All sessions are recorded and available to participants. Do I need a background in policy or government? **No prior policy experience is required.** LEAD focuses on building critical thinking, policy literacy, and effective communication. Participants bring firsthand perspective, and the program provides structure, context, and practical guidance for engaging policy systems. ## Ready to Engage in Healthcare Policy? LEAD provides the education, structure, and practical guidance needed to engage thoughtfully and effectively in healthcare policy. If you’re ready to learn how the system works and how to participate in shaping it, LEAD is designed for you. [ Secure Your Spot ](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIAY55iMLmHGeoa7ndyiyjSJPW4SCLFYapAScETm86tkyypdgzuH36t4ugaLQp2kGKpwKSg3HbJi4YwhLhU%2BnTGUSnllO4Ede04IGLaAMQkU6YU%2FK1LtgGAV1XKTf4gUG9B7ysXJdE6Rw%2Bzm%2F6vUdLSNRl%2FINN11qL6Lb1x%2FU%2BOu%2F8UckDyOVyfW6XGLGqHgrI0xlbOj%2FdOw0T1dSztGYhtfHMCgvFm%2BKE3g9d1Uyz0eDA%3D&portalId=6015202) [![Patients Rising](https://www.patientlearningcenter.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/PatientsRising-u4m/templates/images/footer-logo.svg "Patients Rising")](https://patientsrising.org) Empowering every patient in America to advocate for reforms placing them, alongside their doctors, in control of their healthcare choices. 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