Speak Up for Kids! Advocacy at The Children's Hospital

Have you ever gone to bat for your child when there was a problem at school? Or helped a relative or neighbor get care when they were sick? Maybe even asked friends to support a favorite project? If so, then you have been an advocate. Advocacy simply means to speak up, to plead the case of another, or to champion a cause. It is something that most of us do routinely on behalf of our families, our neighbors, our friends, and ourselves.

At The Children's Hospital, it is a key part of our mission to advocate on behalf of kids in the public policy arena, making sure that their needs and concerns are heard when important decisions are made.  We have many ways that you can get involved and participate - it's easy!

The Children's Hospital Grassroots Advocacy Network

All of our advocacy efforts rely on the strength and action of The Children's Hospital Grassroots Advocacy Network.  This is a group of people who care about kids' health and well-being and want to make a difference. Over four thousand people currently participate in the Network, which joins the voices of physicians, healthcare professionals, patients and families with business leaders and community members to speak up clearly and powerfully for kids when public policy decisions are made. Advocates write letters, make phone calls, and share information when needed to influence public policies. Join the Network now!

Advocacy Events

The Children's Hospital organizes several events throughout the year for advocates. "Day at the Capitol" takes advocates on specialized tours of the State Capitol and introduces them to legislators over lunch. Our annual "Be a Champ for Children!" Advocacy Workshop shares basic advocacy strategies with beginners and teaches more advanced tactics to experienced advocates. Additionally, we offer advocates the opportunity to participate in election-related voter information and awareness activities each fall. Participate in on of our Advocacy Events! 

Coalitions

The Children's Hospital maintains partnerships with many community organizations to ensure close connections to other groups working on kids' issues and to share resources and information. Learn more about our coalition partners that interest you.

Publications

Those enrolled in the Advocacy Network receive a regular newsletter - Rooting for Kids! - that gives the latest scoop on our advocacy work, events, and alerts. A "Tool Kit for Easy Advocacy" booklet, packed full of advocacy tips and strategies, is mailed to every advocate when they Join the Network.