The Dignity50 program supports our mission to promote death with dignity laws based on Oregon’s model and stimulate nationwide improvements in end-of-life care through these three major components:
- Active political campaigns
- Death with Dignity Fund
- State Leadership Incubator
We conduct 6 to 8 active political campaigns at a time, focusing on states “most likely” to pass legislation. These are states that have been working on this issue over many legislative sessions, making more progress as time passes. Active campaigns are supported from our Death with Dignity Fund, a dedicated financial resource that allows us to:
- Launch long-term, promising campaigns
- Fill critical gaps in existing campaigns
- Offer financial support to successful efforts
- Help push death with dignity initiatives over the top when a win is imminent.
State Leadership Incubator
Effective local leadership is a key factor in a state’s readiness for a successful campaign. This program provides technical assistance to community leaders to establish local organizations for promoting death with dignity legislation in their state.
This has been a phenomenal opportunity for our young organization to learn from the experts. We’ve also appreciated ‘meeting’ people from other organizations.
As of 2020, the program features the following elements:
- Training and Education using practical tools for grassroots organizing, legislative or ballot campaigns, communicating, and online advocacy.
- Model death with dignity legislation featuring the most effective language to ensure maximum access and safeguards.
- Grant program offering capacity-building and infrastruture funding to local groups.
- Specialist support and guidance upon request and as resources are available.
- Relationship-building with other state leaders.
The program has been invaluable by giving me access to successful role models who have shared their wisdom.
Join Dignity50 State Leadership Incubator
Only advocates interested in leading efforts to create a standalone advocacy organization or political action committee may apply. See these stories from local state advocacy leaders:
- “Come Hell or High Water: Valerie Lovelace on Advocating for Death with Dignity in Maine“
- “Personal Liberty and Choice: Ed Tiryakian on Advocating for Death with Dignity in North Carolina“
- “The Right Side of History: Cindy Merrill on Advocating for Death with Dignity in Texas“
- “The Power of Coming Together: Lisa Vigil Schattinger on Advocating for Death with Dignity in Ohio“
The expected volunteer commitment to start, run, and develop an effective advocacy organization is a minimum of 10 to 20 hours a week.
To apply for the program, please fill out this form: