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5 Ways YOU Can Make an Impact at This September’s FASD Impact Week 

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by

Andy Kachor
in

National FASD Impact Week is coming up this September 15-17 in Washington, DC.  Join advocates, clinicians, researchers, and professionals from around the country.  Here are 5 ways that YOU can make an impact: 

1. SPEAK UP – Raise your voice and be heard by our Nation’s leaders 

Join a group of passionate FASD advocates for Hill Day on September 16 and take the opportunity to make your voice heard.  Now more than ever, FASD needs your voice on Capitol Hill.  Take action and be heard! 

Ways you can make an impact: 

  • Engage in face-to-face conversations with congressional staff of the House and Senate 
  • Advocate for FASD awareness and policy change 
  • Educate legislators on FASD and it’s prevalence affecting 1 in 20 Americans 
  • Be part of a national movement to empower the FASD community 
  • Get a front-row seat for the World Premiere of the feature-length documentary film, FASD: In Pursuit of the Respect Act, followed by a discussion with Dr. Christie Petrenko. 

2. BUILD CONNECTIONS – Meet new collaborators and partners 

Build your network and connect with leading advocates, professionals, and families from across the country.   

Here are some opportunities for collaboration: 

  • Join the symposium-style session “Review, Reflect, and Direct: Goals for a United FASD Movement” 
  • Attend the Poster Reception and talk to researchers about the latest information and research findings on FASD 
  • Connect directly with leaders in the FASD field in meetings and during the breaks 
  • Meet families and self-advocates, hear and share stories of the living experience 
  • Get inspired and reignite your passion as you connect with future collaborators and strengthen professional relationships  

3. LEVEL UP – Enhance your skills and strengthen your organization 

Take your expertise to the next level by engaging in Impact Week’s many opportunities to learn from the experience of leaders in the FASD field.  Get hands-on experience that will directly enhance your organization or organizations you work with. 

Here are ways that Impact Week can elevate your work: 

  • Learn best practices in organizational strategy from members of the FASD United Affiliate Network 
  • Gain insight and perspective from leaders across disciplines in attendance 
  • Get access to the latest resources and expertise 
  • Learn from our partners at the U.S. Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) Center for Health Services Research (CHSR) as they provide updates on examining FASD in the Military Healthcare System 
  • Take part in interactive workshops on interventions and support for people with FASD 

4. GIVE BACK – Serve and support the FASD community 

The community of dedicated and passionate people at Impact Week is a true inspiration.  As we gain experience, we also get a sense of joy and gratitude that comes with giving back and being of service to others. 

You can support the FASD community in the following ways: 

  • Be a mentor, share your own experience with those newer to the field and invest in the future by supporting emerging researchers 
  • Support FASD United’s mission to empower the FASD community through the Red Shoes Gala, FASD United’s largest fundraiser of the year 
  • Share your story and inspire others to tack action 
  • Be an ambassador for the FASD cause in Washington, DC 
  • Amplify the voices of people with the living experience of FASD 

5. MAKE A DIFFERENCE – Improve outcomes for people living with FASD 

When you take part in Impact Week, you make a real difference in people’s lives.  Join us to create a brighter future for people with FASD. 

Tangible outcomes from your participation in Impact Week include: 

  • Leaders in Congress made aware of the FASD topic and the need for support 
  • Systems of care (education, health systems) becoming more FASD-informed 
  • “A Call to Action” (report of the FASD National Task Force) put into practice through our development of an action plan and review of recommendations 
  • The FASD community stronger, united, and ready to better serve the community 
  • Self-advocates living with FASD being heard and feeling empowered and inspired 

We hope you will join us in Washington, DC from September 15 to 17, 2025 for three days of advocacy, action, collaboration, and community.  Impact Week is your opportunity to use your voice to give FASD a seat at the table.