12 Ways to Be an OCD Advocate

Your voice is powerful! If you live with OCD, love someone who does, or provide treatment, you can help shape a better future for our community. Make a difference by taking ACTION.   

Here are 12 ways to get started:  

• Advocate for policy change

1. 1. • Your voice can shape laws that improve access to care and insurance coverage. The IOCDF Public Policy Action Center makes it simple to find the latest bills and contact your elected officials with just a few clicks. True change starts here.

• Share your story to build connection 

1. 1. • Your lived experience is powerful. Sharing it can break down stigma, build connection with others on a similar path, and offer profound hope. Share your story here.

• Fight stigma with facts

1. 1. • Combat misinformation and the misuse of the term OCD in conversation and social media. Check out the Real OCD Action Center and use this form to tell us how you have been affected by stigma.

• Be a part of the conversation online

1. 1. • Break the isolation of OCD by connecting with others on their recovery journey by joining IOCDF's "My OCD" Community on HealthUnlocked.

• Join an IOCDF Special Interest Group

1. 1. • Connect with people who share your experiences or professional interests and want to make a difference. IOCDF Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are communities focused on topics providing a platform for deeper discussion.

• Join our mission to support those affected by OCD 

1. 1. • Get involved locally through a US-based Affiliate or connect with our Global Partners and International Networking and Advocacy Group (INAG) to make an impact worldwide.

• Advocate for Students with OCD & Anxiety

• Share Anxiety in the Classroom resources with your local schools 

• Use the OCDare to Share hosting guide to build greater awareness

• Use our step by step OCDare to Share Host Guide to confidently have a casual get-together dedicated to a conversation about OCD with friends, family or coworkers.

• Pitch Your Story to Media

1. 1. • Share your experience to create broader understanding. Use our Media Training Deck and Pitch Guide to reach out to local media outlets or contact your favorite podcast to get the conversation about OCD started.

• Fuel Our Mission Through Fundraising

• Turn your passion into action by launching a personal fundraiser. Whether for a birthday, a race, or a creative project, you can rally your friends and family to raise critical funds that support IOCDF's programs, research, and resources. Every dollar raised helps build a world where everyone affected by OCD can thrive. Start your fundraiser here or explore all ways to give back here.

• Become an IOCDF Grassroots Advocate

1. 1. • Join a dedicated community committed to raising awareness. As a Grassroots Advocate, you’ll receive monthly challenges and direct ways to make an impact.

• Go All In During OCD Awareness Week

1. • OCD Awareness Week (October 12-18, 2025) is a worldwide event to dispel myths and break stigma.
   • Participate by visiting the hub at iocdf.org/awarenessweek for resources, joining the #TogetherAgainstOCD social campaign, participating in the One Million Steps for OCD Walk, or helping to Light It Up Teal.

Whether you advocate for policy on the national stage, share your story to fight stigma, or connect with one person in your local community, every action you take creates a ripple effect of hope and understanding. Your journey, your voice, and your commitment are the most powerful tools you have! Start today and help us build a world where everyone affected by OCD Feels supported, seen, and empowered.