Planning Advocacy Events Hosted by Moms Stop the Harm

Dear Members,

As you continue the incredible work you do to support MSTH and its mission to end substance use related stigma, harms, and death, we want to share some guidelines regarding planning advocacy events in your communities.

This communication outlines three important aspects to consider when planning advocacy events. They are:

  1. The need to follow municipal guidelines, especially regarding permits;

  2. The requirement to notify MSTH’s Operations team so that an insurance liability

    certificate can be issued; and,

  3. An invitation to share event details so we can promote your efforts.

Please consider the information below as you plan advocacy events in your communities.

1. Adhere to Municipal Guidelines and Permit Requirements

Municipalities often require a permit for events that take place in a public space (such as a park, plaza, or street), including activities that could impact traffic or local businesses, or involve large gatherings. When MSTH partners with other organizations, such as we often do for international Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) events, the planning organization may pursue permit requirements, and this may cover other event partners including MSTH.

You can learn about the municipal requirements in your community by visiting the municipality’s official website or contacting the town/city clerk or event coordinator. As the permit process may include the submission of an application and may take some time, advance planning is recommended.

Planning Advocacy Events Hosted by Moms Stop the Harm (MSTH) 1It is important to remember that following municipal guidelines is more than a legal requirement; it is also a demonstration of MSTH’s respect for the community and commitment to responsible citizenship.

2. Notify MSTH Operations for Liability Insurance Coverage

As organizing an advocacy event can involve risks, such as property damage or personal injury, it is essential that MSTH is properly covered by insurance to protect both participants and the organization itself. A liability insurance certificate may also be required by the municipality as part of the permit application.

To obtain a liability insurance certificate for your event, please provide to admin@momsstoptheharm.com the following information:

  • Date, time, and location of the event;

  • Other information such as whether the event is public or private, indoor or outdoors, and if there are any admission requirements.

3. Share Event Details for Promotion

One of the greatest strengths of our organization is our ability to rally support and participation for events and causes. To help amplify your advocacy event and ensure its success, we encourage you to share event details with our communications team so that they can be posted on the MSTH Website and included in social media posts.

You can provide to admin@momsstoptheharm.com the information noted below:

  • Event name and a brief description;

  • Date, time, and location;

  • Key speakers or guests, if any;

  • Goals of the event and who should attend;

  • Any registration or RSVP links;

  • Contact information for follow-up questions.

Sharing this information also allows us to track the important work that members are doing across the country.

As advocacy events are often attended by the media, we are including the guidelines for Speaking on Behalf of Moms Stop the Harm (MSTH) which were issued in June 2025 for your reference.

If you have any questions about these guidelines, please do not hesitate to reach out to J Stewart, our Executive Director, at ed@momsstoptheharm.com

Thank you for your ongoing commitment and for helping us create positive change.

Warm regards,

MSTH Leadership