Mirco_H1_text_goes_here
How to Advocate for Children
Advocating for children involves raising awareness, educating decision-makers and empowering communities to address issues affecting child well-being. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a nonprofit professional or a community leader, your voice matters—and it can help shape policies that protect and support families.
Understand the Power of Advocacy
Advocacy includes educating and persuading lawmakers, neighbors, local leaders and the public. Unlike lobbying, which targets the direct influence of specific legislation, advocacy involves sharing research and stories while building support for change.
Know the Policy Process
Effective advocates grasp the legislative process—covering a bill’s introduction, subcommittees, floor votes and reaching the governor’s desk. Understanding a bill’s current status enables you to advocate effectively and appropriately at the right time.
- Introduction: A legislator, typically with input from interest groups, drafts a bill that is then presented to the legislative body.
- Assigned to a subcommittee: A bill is referred to a subcommittee where public testimony is gathered.
- Full committee consideration: The committee will then review and vote on the bill.
- Floor Vote: A bill that has passed out of committee is voted on by all members.
- Moving to the next body: A bill that passes one chamber goes to the other to restart this process.
Then, the bill goes to the governor!
Tell a Powerful Story
Stories are at the heart of advocacy. Use a simple format:
Problem → Solution → Call to Action
Whether it’s a personal experience or data-backed insight, your story can inspire decision-makers to act.
Deliver Your Elevator Pitch
In 30 seconds or less, you can grab someone’s attention:
- Hook – Start with something relatable or surprising.
- Mission – Explain what your organization or effort does.
- Impact – Share a quick success or meaningful result.
- Call to Action – Invite the listener to get involved.
Build Relationships
Long-term change begins with strong relationships. Connect with policymakers by aligning your goals with theirs while consistently providing relevant stories and data. At the same time, stay grounded in your community by listening, collaborating and inviting others to join your efforts.
Grow a Movement
Advocacy is most powerful when it’s continuous. Establish clear goals, engage your supporters, measure success and adjust as you proceed. Together, we can create a statewide movement to protect children and prevent abuse before it occurs.
