When we talk about “wellness,” it’s easy to picture yoga classes, green smoothies, or taking that long-overdue day off. And while those things absolutely matter, wellness for women—especially women navigating careers, caregiving, leadership, and advocacy—goes much deeper.

Wellness is also about equity. It’s about safety. It’s about economic stability, access to healthcare, and the freedom to live authentically. In other words, wellness is not just personal—it’s political. And that’s where we as advocates come in.

This May, as we focus on wellness for women, I invite you to think about advocacy not as one more thing on your to-do list, but as a meaningful way to support both your own well-being and that of women everywhere.

At its core, advocacy is about agency—using your voice to shape the world around you. There’s something deeply grounding about taking action, whether it’s sending an email to a legislator, supporting a local initiative, or having a thoughtful conversation that shifts someone’s perspective.

Key Advocacy Moments in May

May offers several important opportunities to engage in advocacy that directly connects to women’s wellness:

International Workers’ Day (May 1)

A powerful reminder that economic wellness is foundational. This is a moment to advocate for fair wages, paid leave, workplace safety, and equitable opportunities for women. Consider supporting policies that uplift women in the workforce or amplifying stories of women workers in your community.

International Day of Families (May 15)

Wellness doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s shaped by our families and support systems. Use this day to advocate for policies like affordable childcare, paid family leave, and flexible work environments that allow women and families to thrive.

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (May 17)

True wellness includes the ability to live safely and authentically. This day is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ individuals, advocate for inclusive policies, and ensure that wellness efforts are equitable and intersectional.

Additional Advocacy Opportunities May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to:

• Advocate for accessible and affordable mental healthcare
• Share resources within your networks
• Normalize conversations around burnout, stress, and emotional well-being

You might also consider engaging on issues like maternal health (see what is happening in Louisiana on page X), reproductive rights, and gender-based violence—each deeply connected to women’s overall wellness.

Drop by on a Health Committee meeting to engage more!

Simple Ways to Take Action

Advocacy doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. Here are a few easy ways to take action while maintaining your well-being.

• Use Your Voice (5–10 minutes)

Send an email, sign a petition, or call your elected officials about an issue you care about. Even a single message can make an impact.

• Make It Social

Share a post on social media highlighting one of May’s key dates. Add your perspective or a call to action—your voice might inspire someone else to engage.

• Learn and Reflect

Take time to read or listen to stories about women whose wellness is impacted by policy gaps. Understanding these experiences can inform more meaningful advocacy.

• Support Women-Led Organizations

Whether through donations, volunteering, or amplification, supporting organizations doing this work is a powerful form of advocacy.

• Bring Advocacy Into Your Everyday Life

Start conversations at work, among friends, or within your community. Advocacy often begins with awareness.

Wellness is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. And for many women, it’s still out of reach due to systemic barriers. Advocacy is how we begin to change that.

This May, I encourage you to think of advocacy as an act of care—care for yourself, your community, and future generations of women. You don’t have to do everything. You just have to start somewhere.

Emily VanVleck
National VP Advocacy
2024-2026
vpadvocacy@nfbpwc.org