This non-partisan toolkit is intended to help youth take their first steps to engage in federal advocacy in the United States, on issues that matter to them, their peers, and their families.

It does not focus on a specific law or policy.

Policy and politics can sometimes feel complex and intimidating, and successfully advocating for changes in laws or funding can take a long time. For example, Medicaid is now a crucial part of the U.S. healthcare system, serving millions of children and families; however, it took persistent awareness-raising and advocacy before it became law in 1965.

We believe that your story and your voice matter. You are an expert on your own experiences. Your voice can influence policymakers and bring attention to issues that are having a real impact on your family and community. Every action, no matter how small, can help contribute to important, lasting change. The more young people, their peers, and their families are involved in the policy process, the more collective impact we can have on policy outcomes, and the more we can do to build a world that centers and supports children and families. From the civil rights movement to climate change to immigration reform, young people have been at the forefront of driving political change. With this in mind, we invite you to take some time to think about what issues matter to you, and get involved in ways that feel right and manageable to you.