3 things you could do if you were asked to become an advocate of health and wellness

Someone just tapped you to be a “health advocate” at work or in your community, and now you’re wondering how to make an impact without becoming that person everyone avoids in the break room.

Let’s be real – most health advocacy efforts fail because they come across as preachy, unrealistic, or just plain annoying. Nobody wants to be lectured about their lunch choices or have their Instagram feed cluttered with #fitspo from someone who just discovered protein shakes last week.

But effective health advocacy? That can genuinely change lives. Here are three approaches that actually work (and won’t make people roll their eyes when you walk into the room).

1. Be the example (but not the insufferable kind)

Leading by example is the most powerful way to influence others, but there’s a fine line between inspiring and irritating.

What works:

• Making visible improvements to your own habits without constantly talking about them
• Sharing authentic struggles along with successes (“Yeah, I really wanted to skip my workout today too, but felt better after doing it”)
• Bringing healthy options to share at gatherings without making a big announcement

What doesn’t:

• Posting daily sweaty gym selfies with captions like “No excuses!”
• Commenting on other people’s food choices
• Making every conversation about your latest health kick

The secret is consistency without commentary. When people see genuine, sustainable changes in your life and the positive effects they’re having, they become curious. That curiosity is worth more than a thousand wellness lectures.

As leadership expert John Maxwell says, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Note that “endlessly talks about the way” isn’t on that list.

2. Volunteer where it makes the most impact

Volunteering your time for health initiatives gives you direct influence while building meaningful community connections.

Focus your efforts on:

• Organizations already aligned with your health values (hospitals, community centers, health-focused nonprofits)
• Programs that address specific needs in your community (food deserts, lack of safe exercise spaces, mental health resources)
• Roles that match your actual skills and interests (don’t try to lead fitness classes if you’re more of a behind-the-scenes organizer)

The key is finding volunteer opportunities where:

1. You can make a genuine contribution
2. The work aligns with your authentic interests
3. The impact is measurable and meaningful

For example, helping organize a community garden in a neighborhood with limited fresh food access will do more good than generic “wellness committee” work with no clear outcomes.

Remember that volunteering shouldn’t just be resume padding. The most effective health advocates find joy in the work itself, which makes their impact sustainable.

3. Create public awareness campaigns that don’t suck

Most health PSAs fail because they’re boring, preachy, or rely on fear tactics. Effective campaigns engage people and inspire action through relevance and authenticity.

What makes health communications actually work:

• Focus on solutions people can immediately implement, not just problems
• Use stories and real examples instead of statistics
• Meet people where they are (both literally and figuratively)
• Include clear, specific next steps

For example, instead of a generic “Exercise more!” poster with stock photos, create content showing real community members enjoying accessible local activities with information on how to join.

The best health communications don’t feel like lectures – they feel like opportunities.

The health advocacy secret nobody tells you

Here’s something most people miss about effective health advocacy: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being real.

The most influential health advocates are those who:

• Acknowledge their own struggles and setbacks
• Share what works for them without claiming it’s the only way
• Recognize that health looks different for different people
• Focus on progress, not perfection

That authenticity builds trust, and trust is essential for influence.

Focus on systems, not just individuals

While personal habits matter, the most effective health advocates understand that systemic factors have enormous impact on health.

Consider advocating for:

• Workplace policies that support wellbeing (flexible schedules, standing desks, mental health days)
• Community infrastructure that enables healthy choices (parks, safe walking paths, farmers markets)
• School programs that build healthy habits early (quality physical education, nutritious lunch options)

These systemic changes reach more people and create environments where healthy choices become easier for everyone.

The bottom line: Be the advocate you’d actually listen to

Think about the people who have positively influenced your own health habits. Chances are they inspired rather than lectured, offered support rather than judgment, and met you where you were instead of demanding immediate perfection.

Effective health advocacy isn’t about having the most knowledge or being the fittest person in the room. It’s about connecting with people, understanding their real challenges, and helping them discover sustainable paths to better wellbeing.

Be that person, and you’ll make an impact that lasts long after your official “health advocate” title expires.