Federal Advocacy Toolkit for Parents and Caregivers

Information, tools and activities for bolstering advocacy efforts

This non-partisan toolkit is intended to help parents and caregivers to take their first steps, alongside their child(ren), to engage in federal advocacy in the United States, on issues that matter to them 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 America'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 and your family’s needs. Your voice can influence policy makers 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 parents, caregivers, and 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. With this in mind, we invite you to take some time to think about what issues matter to you and your family, and get involved in ways that feel right and manageable to you.