Posted on November 26,2024

Celebrating Two Decades of Impact and Advocacy

ADAO proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024, a significant milestone that reflects two decades of unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts to eliminate asbestos-related diseases. This journey has been made possible by the resilience and support of our global community, who continue to come together year after year to fight for a safer world for us all while also spreading life-saving resources and knowledge. To commemorate this special occasion, ADAO has published a new book, “Shared Stories: How Asbestos Changed Our Lives Forever.”

  • This powerful collection of over 200 personal narratives highlights the human cost of asbestos exposure while advocating for policy change on both legislative and legal fronts.

  • The book serves as both a legacy piece and a vital advocacy tool used to educate lawmakers, inspire action, and connect with the public.

The Five Most Impactful Initiatives of ADAO

  1. Legislative Advocacy and Policy Change

ADAO is at the forefront of asbestos advocacy, leading the charge to achieve a complete ban on asbestos without exemptions. Through initiatives like the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act, we collaborate with lawmakers and regulatory bodies to shape and write policies that protect public health for generations to come.

  • Consistent Congressional briefings and meetings with decision-makers about our dual-pronged strategy that includes asbestos-ban bills and legal challenges to existing laws that allow for asbestos exposure.

  • Contributions to the EPA’s regulatory reviews and public health policies.

  • Consistent advocacy that has already influenced legislative outcomes across the U.S.

 

  1. Community Support and Storytelling Campaigns

ADAO builds a supportive community that empowers victims affected by asbestos by providing a platform to share their experiences and connect with others who understand their struggles. We make sure that no one diagnosed with an asbestos-caused illness ever feels alone, and provide support and guidance for their loved ones. 

  • “Share Your Story” Initiative: Transforming personal pain into collective power by amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. We bring these stories directly to Congressional briefings, where we have witnessed first-hand the power they have to create tangible change. 

  • 6-Word Quotes Campaign: Short yet poignant narratives that resonate deeply, creating awareness and empathy.

By turning these stories into actionable advocacy, we create awareness, foster solidarity, and drive public and political engagement on a larger scale.

  1. Global Asbestos Awareness and Education

Education remains one of ADAO’s strongest tools in preventing asbestos exposure and its devastating effects. Our Global Asbestos Awareness Week and Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference are flagship events that unite global experts, survivors, and advocates to exchange knowledge and strategies.

  • kNØw Asbestos website: A trusted, user-friendly hub for comprehensive asbestos-related information.

  • Engaging content such as fact sheets, infographics, and other engaging visual content altered to empower individuals, educators, and communities worldwide.

 

  1. Impactful Petition and Grassroots Movements

ADAO mobilizes public support through campaigns like the Ban Asbestos Without Loopholes Petition, which has garnered nearly 150,000 signatures, demonstrating widespread demand for comprehensive asbestos bans that will bring  justice and systemic change. These grassroots efforts amplify the voices of those impacted by asbestos and put public pressure on policymakers to act for an asbestos-free world.

  1. Innovative Integration of Art and Advocacy

ADAO blends creativity with activism through the ‘Asbestos: Art, Advocacy, and Action’ Portfolio, which uses art to communicate the profound human and environmental impact of asbestos exposure.

  • Exhibitions, collaborations with artists, and visual campaigns transform complex policy issues into accessible and emotional narratives, inspiring broader audiences to join the fight.

Looking Ahead: A Future Free of Asbestos

ADAO remains resolute in its commitment to a world free of asbestos and asbestos-related diseases. This fight is far from over, and we invite public participation in our ongoing efforts by:

  • Taking Action: Signing petitions like the “Ban Asbestos Without Loopholes” Petition to support a comprehensive asbestos ban.

  • Staying Informed: Subscribing to ADAO’s eNewsletter for the latest updates.

  • Engaging Online: Joining us on Twitter, Facebook, and other social platforms.

  • Sharing Stories: Reading and contributing to “Shared Stories: How Asbestos Changed Our Lives Forever” to continue raising awareness and demanding justice.

Donate Now to Help End Asbestos-Related Tragedies

Your donation fuels our work to educate, advocate, and support those impacted by asbestos. Every contribution makes a difference in our fight for an asbestos-free future.
👉 Donate Now and join us in saving lives.

Join Us in the Fight Against Asbestos

Together, we can create a future where asbestos no longer endangers public health. Your support, voice, and actions are essential to achieving this goal.

Stay Connected

Be part of ADAO’s journey by following us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and through PayPal donations. Let’s work together for a safer, healthier world.

In solidarity,
Linda Reinstein, Co-Founder and President, ADAO