Sign up for alerts so you know what’s going on

1. Participate in the AAP Federal Advocacy Action Network (FAAN) (As an AAP member you are automatically signed up to receive these alerts)
2. Children’s Defense Fund Action Council - link to the “Activist Toolkit” in the top left

Telephone or fax/email your government officials (1 phone call represents the voice of 1000 constituents to your legislator; mail has to go through anthrax clearance so takes too long)

1. Federal government resources:
   1. AAP Department of Federal Affairs (Login to Members Only, click on Federal Affairs, link to Elected Officials, and plug in your info – you will get the district and federal contact information on your representative and both senators)
      
      
   2. Congressional web sites: www.senate.gov and www.house.gov
      
      
2. State government resources:
   1. AAP Chapters: The most effective way to get involved in advocacy at the state level is through your state chapter. State chapters are actively engaged in a variety of advocacy and state government affairs activities. Contact your chapter's executive director for more information about being involved.
      
      
   2. Once you are involved in your chapter's state advocacy activities, the AAP Divison of State Government Affairs is an excellent source for consultation, resources, strategy development and technical assistance. Visit the State Government Affairs pages on the AAP Member Center for more information.

 

Help others advocate

1. “Take Five [Minutes]” table – generate letters, sign up members for a grassroots campaign, win involvement in a community education campaign
2. Morning Report topic – One example - After a morning report on an abuse case, have letters ready for the residents/faculty to sign addressing key issues like CPS funding

Advertise your issue with a badge, button or bag

Talk to anyone who will listen – in clinic, at the grocery store or even the launder mat