Advocacy Toolkit
You see the need for change.
We’re here to help you achieve it. Whether you see potential in your community or are determined to make system-wide change, you’ll need the same basic tools.
Organize.
Communicate.
Help.
Write a Letter | Recruit New Volunteers | Social Media Campaigns |
Letter to the Editor
Step 1: Pick a subject
It's important to pick only one topic when you write a letter to the editor. You may see multiple needs to be addressed (don't we all!) but addressing them all in one letter will only weaken its impact. Research the topic at hand and try to make it relevant to your local community. The letter is also more likely to be printed if it responds somehow to a recently published article.
Letter to the Editor
Step 2: Know your limits
Your word limits, that is! Most papers ask that letters to the editor be fairly short -- some even ask for no more than 150 words. You can find that information on your paper's website.
Letter to the Editor
Step 3: Include your contact information
Most papers won't print a letter that doesn't include the writer's full name and address. Make sure that you've included this information before you press 'send' on that email.
Letter to the Editor
Need more help?
We provide sample letters in many of our campaigns. You can take a look at the link below.
Recruit New Volunteers
Step 1: Find your friends
You're probably not the only who has noticed the need for change. Who are your natural allies? Who else would share your concerns? Reach out to them and encourage them by showing them that change is possible if you work together. Start with people you already know and expand out from there.
Recruit New Volunteers
Step 2: Create a Schedule
Now that you've made connections, you need to meet - even if you can't do it in person. Set a regular meeting time and place (even if it's over the phone!) to go over your plans, share successes and set new recruitment goals.
Social Media Campaigns
Step 1: Choose a platform
The most popular platforms tend to attract different audiences and offer different approaches for your campaign. Within Facebook, you can create a Group for your colleagues to share information and even use targeted ads to recruit more people to your cause. With Twitter, you have a limited number of characters but can use hashtags to get other influencers to amplify your voice. Instagram, on the other hand, is a predominately visual platform where a photo or infographic can have a large impact.
Social Media Campaigns
Step 2: Choose a name
Names count! You don't want to "Neighborhood Group that Really Wants a Speed Bump on 2nd Ave," you want to be "Families For Safety." Try and think of a good hashtag that will allow others to follow your cause and even come across it by happenstance.
Social Media Campaigns
Step 3: Make it Visual
People are more likely to engage with a visual medium. Use photos, videos and images to make a point and create an impact.
Communicate.
Share your story, make a change.
Tell Your Story | Share Your Story | Hold a Meeting With Your Legislator
Tell Your Story
Step 1: Affirm yourself.
Your lived experiences are significant and meaningful. Thinking clearly about how events have shaped your world view and what should be done in response will make your story powerful.
Tell Your Story
Step 2: Make a frame.
Think about what happened and the change you want to make, and tell your story within that frame. Plot out the beginning, middle and end. Eliminate unnecessary details and concentrate on the important events.
Tell Your Story
Step 3: Spoil the ending!
You're not writing a novel - you're telling your story for a cause. WIth shortened attention spans and even less time, starting your story with, "My name is Jane, and I'm here to tell you how cancer is making me bankrupt," will let everyone know exactly why you're there and what change you want to make while keeping them focused on you.
Tell Your Story
Step 4: End with an Ask
Don't forget, you're here to make a difference. You've already structured your story to feature the need for change. With a compelling story, your audience will be on your side and ready to take action. Tell them what they should do! Be ready with a proposal, like asking people to support a policy or spread awareness.
Share Your Story
Be a media volunteer.
Sharing your story with us gives you the opportunity to share your story with the press. We can connect you -- with your explicit permission, each time -- to reporters who would like to hear from people with experience in the topic they are pursuing.
Hold a Meeting with Your Legislator
Step 1: Schedule it
Many legislators will only meet with their constituents, so make sure you know who your represents you. When you call the office, explain what you'd like to talk about, and don't be disappointed if you meet with staff. Often the staff may be the most knowledgeable in your issue and will still be able to relay your concerns to their boss.
Hold a Meeting with Your Legislator
Step 2: Prepare
Look up the work that your legislator has already done on the issue. Don't go into the office asking her to support legislation that she already consponsors! Think about your story and be ready to share why this issue not only affects you, but many of their constituents. Consider making a one-page paper summing up the issue and your suggested action.
Hold a Meeting with Your Legislator
Step 3: Say Thank You
Always be polite and diplomatic, even if you disagree. After the meeting, follow-up in a timely fashion by emailing thank you and reiterating your talking points. Offer to take the lead on local action, if appropriate.
Help.
Join our cause.
Join a Campaign | Create a Community Project
Join a Campaign
#GetCovered
People need health insurance. Help us spread the word about open enrollment each fall.
Join a Campaign
Be a Hero. Make a Plan.
A care plan will help ensure you get the care you want, while helping your family through a potential medical crisis. Help us spread the word about how a simple plan can make a big difference for families and caregivers.