Advocacy is a journey—an ever-evolving commitment to use your voice for those who feel silenced. Over the past year, I’ve learned that advocacy isn’t just about speaking up; it’s about listening, growing, and finding strength in the shared experiences of others.
This week, I’ve been reflecting on the fight for prison reform. It’s not just about addressing the glaring issues—like the rampant drug problems we’ve seen in private prisons—but about humanizing the people behind the statistics. My husband’s experience has highlighted the urgent need for change. It’s easy to feel defeated by the magnitude of the problem, but even the smallest steps forward matter. His ability to stay clean for a full year in such a toxic environment is a victory worth celebrating—a testament to the power of resilience.
But advocacy isn’t just about what happens inside the prison system; it’s also about what happens out here. As his partner, I’ve had to navigate challenges I never expected. From dealing with cyberstalking to creating a safe space for myself, I’ve realized that being strong for someone else means also being strong for myself. Advocacy is as much about self-care as it is about activism.
One of the most depressing realizations I’ve had is the way family members—who say they support someone in prison or someone trying to stay sober—often seem to forget about that person entirely. They don’t realize how much those small gestures of communication—text messages, eMessages, snail mail—really mean. They don’t understand how it feels for an inmate to hold a handwritten letter, knowing the person on the outside took time out of their life to write to them personally, not electronically. That simple act means the world to someone who feels isolated and forgotten. It’s a lifeline, a reminder that they matter, and it plays such a crucial role in the sobriety process.
And yet, when that person relapses or ends up back in prison, these same people are the first to criticize. They don’t see how their absence and silence contribute to the struggle. For me, it’s a priority to show up for my husband. I send him at least two handwritten letters every week, sometimes between 6 and 17 pages. I include photos, and I always answer his calls. Is it cheap? Absolutely not. But is he worth it? Without a doubt. The love and support we show now will have a lasting impact—it’s the foundation we’re building for the future.
This year, I’ve connected with incredible people who share a vision for change. Whether it’s through Power of Our Voices or personal conversations, I’ve seen how stories can move mountains. Advocacy starts with empathy—with seeing the humanity in others and working together to amplify their voices.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that progress isn’t linear. Some days are harder than others. Some days, the system feels too broken to fix. But other days, you see the glimmers of hope—the stories of triumph, the small policy changes, the individuals who refuse to give up. Those are the days that keep me going.
Advocacy takes many forms. Whether you’re marching in protests, sharing a blog post, or simply showing up for someone in need, your efforts matter. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it happens through consistent, intentional action.
Today, I want to challenge each of you to reflect on how you can be an advocate for change in your own life. What causes speak to your heart? How can you use your voice to make a difference? Remember, you don’t have to take on the whole world; sometimes, all it takes is one small action to start a ripple effect.
As I move forward in this journey, I hold onto the words of Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” This verse reminds me that advocacy isn’t just a choice—it’s a calling.
Thank you for continuing to walk this path with me. Your support fuels the fight for a better, fairer system. Let’s keep pushing forward together.
What inspires you to advocate for change? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments.
#EppersonEmpowerment #Powerofourvoicesllc #Powerofourvoices #POV #PrisonAdvocacy #JusticeReform #AdvocacyForChange #SeekJustice
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