IOCDF Advocate Application

Note: We're grateful for the overwhelming interest in becoming a part of the IOCDF Advocate program. Given the volume of passionate applications, we take the necessary time to review each one and ensure supportive onboarding. Please know that your submission will remain active throughout the process until you are notified otherwise. We appreciate your patience and your commitment to making a difference!

**At this time, our plan is to review additional applications in Winter 2027!**

Before you begin: We recommend reviewing the application questions in advance so you can prepare your responses. Click here to access a view-only Google Doc with all application questions. Feel free to make a copy (File > Make a copy) to organize your thoughts and draft your answers before submitting.

The IOCDF is accepting applications for passionate individuals to join the IOCDF Advocate Program for 2025! This group of volunteers is integral to our mission to raise awareness of the realities of OCD and build community among those living with the disorder.

The IOCDF empowers its Advocates to publicly share their OCD journey with their local communities, decision-makers, media outlets, and through their social media channels. By speaking freely and frankly about their experience, IOCDF Advocates transform lives by connecting with others, reaching diverse populations, and breaking down the stigma and barriers faced by those with OCD and related disorders.

As an IOCDF Advocate, you will have the opportunity to engage in outreach efforts, awareness campaigns, special interest groups, mentorship opportunities, events, fundraising, and more. The program is designed to be a positive and rewarding experience, offering meaningful opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact.

If you are comfortable sharing your lived experience and willing to dedicate your time to this important program, we encourage you to apply today! IOCDF Advocates must be passionate, collaborative, and energetic, over the age of 18, and able to make a two-year volunteer commitment. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Up to 240 million people in the world suffer from OCD at some point in their lives. The IOCDF’s recently launched 5-year strategic plan builds on decades of progress to ensure that by the year 2030, millions more people living with OCD will be met with support, understanding, and a clear path to effective treatment and healing.

IOCDF Advocates speaking out to raise awareness is essential to advancing our work. There is nothing more powerful than individuals sharing their lived experience to help others learn more about this difficult disorder, combat stigma, and share the importance of evidence-based treatment.

Together, we can show the world that people with OCD and related disorders can thrive.

Applicants are asked to submit information about their personal OCD and related disorders journey and to describe various aspects of their interest in advocacy and mental health topics using this form.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and be reviewed by the Advocate Advisory Council and IOCDF Staff twice a year, once in the late Winter and once in the early Fall.

Please email Julie Oliver, Partnership Engagement Coordinator at joliver@iocdf.org with any questions. Thank you!

Ready to begin? Click 'Next Page' below

The IOCDF Advocate program is designed to be a positive and rewarding experience, offering meaningful opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact! We strive to provide an environment where every participant feels valued, engaged and connected while playing an important role in its success. The IOCDF will provide the following:

-Opportunities to shape existing and future programs and resources.

-Visibility and recognition through traditional media, social media, blog posts, vlogs, and livestream programs featuring personal storytelling and other areas of expertise.

-Access to monthly communications and quarterly group meetings via Zoom, dedicated to sharing information on accomplishments, strategic priorities, mentoring, and advocate training.

-A 50% discount on all conference registrations (Professional/NonProfessional, Virtual, and In-Person).

-Complimentary Professional Membership for the duration of the agreement, including a listing in the Resource Directory and discounted training opportunities for providers who qualify.

-Recognition and public acknowledgment of contributions to advancing the mission and vision of the IOCDF, including the use of the IOCDF Advocate badge.

-Identification as an IOCDF Advocate on the IOCDF website.

-Opportunities to attend and assist in the planning of networking events, the Advocate Holiday party, and social interactions with others in the program.

-A full-time staff member with dedicated office hours to assist and support Advocates and share an annual (Q3) report of accomplishments with each individual advocate.

As an Advocate, you will be required to commit to at least three of the following activities per 12-month period upon signing the Advocate Agreement:

1. Contribute content via blog post, newsletter article, or as an online contributor (i.e., livestreams, social media).

2. Participate in a government policy advocacy initiative.

3. Engage with the community by participating in at least one conference as a presenter, volunteer, or Conference Review Committee member, leading a support group, assisting with planning, or supporting outreach and promotional activities.

4. Join or lead a peer-to-peer group, such as a Special Interest Group (SIG), task force, or actively participate in My OCD Community on the HealthUnlocked online platform.

5. Participate in an Official Affiliate Walk, Community Walk, or the Virtual Walk Around the World.

6. Host an OCDare to Share event.

Additional requirements include:

-Attend a live (Zoom) orientation upon acceptance.

-Attend a minimum of three (3) quarterly meetings per year.

-Assist in disseminating resources, fundraising activities, and event information within their communities and the broader public to grow the community and increase the IOCDF's reach worldwide.

-Get involved with a Local Official Affiliate or Global Partner (if available) by participating in regional events, Walks, supporting community-driven initiatives, and contributing to efforts that directly impact those in their area.

-Complete annual messaging training provided by the IOCDF to ensure consistency in communication and advocacy.

-Refer to the IOCDF as a resource in all related activities and outreach.

-Complete an annual survey to provide feedback and self-reported progress tracking.

-Encourage others to sign up as grassroots advocates and/or apply to become IOCDF Advocates.

-Adhere to the IOCDF Volunteer Code of Conduct.

-Adhere to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement.

-Align with the messaging recommendations of the IOCDF, including reference to evidence-based treatments for OCD in all advocacy efforts.

I have read and understand the above Advocate requirements

IOCDF Involvement & Advocacy Activities:

What IOCDF activities and/or events have you participated in? (Please be specific. This could include OCD walk, conferences, awareness campaigns, affiliate work, volunteering, etc.)

Have you been involved in any advocacy efforts outside of IOCDF? If so, please describe your experience.

Are you affiliated with any other professional or community organizations?

OCD Understanding & Advocacy Experience

Have you been formally diagnosed with OCD?

YesNoPrefer not to answer

Have you been diagnosed with any other mental health conditions?

YesNoPrefer not to answer

Describe your treatment journey.

Please answer all the questions and share descriptions to the best of your ability:

Describe your understanding of OCD treatment.

How has stigma affected you or your loved one?

In what ways do you want to help others in the OCD and related disorder communities?

Please list any specific skills you bring to the volunteer role (i.e., graphic design, writing)

What are the estimated hours a week you plan to volunteer?

Affiliate Requirements

Are you involved with your local affiliate?

YesNo

Affiliate Name:

Will you commit to volunteering with your local affiliate, or if you are outside the US, available Global partners?

YesNo

Why do you want to be an IOCDF Advocate? In your own words, share what drives your passion for advocacy and the impact you hope to make!

Create a two-minute video telling us your story.
Go to WeTransfer.com.Click on the "+Add Files" button to upload your video file from your computer.
Instead of entering an email address, click the "Get a link" option at the bottom of the page.
Wait for the file to upload, then click "Copy link" to copy the download link to your clipboard.
Paste the link directly into the application form below.

Note: The video you submit will be used internally only for review by the selection committee and will not be shared publicly. Your privacy is important to us, and it will be handled confidentially.

Post the wetransfer.com link to your video here:

Today's Date: