Advocacy Action Plan

Since you are not sure whether this is a local/state or national level issue, reach out to the AAP Advocacy Team at kids1st@aap.org to ask.

Since you responded that this is a local/state issue, you should connect with your AAP state chapter to learn more about whether this issue is on their radar and if you can amplify existing efforts.

Since you responded that this is a national issue, you should connect with AAP National to learn more about its work on this issue and whether you can amplify existing efforts. Email kids1st@aap.org to inquire.

Audiences you are trying to reach:

• Media

• Parents

• State policy makers

• Federal Policy Makers

• Physicians

• General Public

• Other

Start exploring existing data related to your issue. One helpful place to begin is AAP's policy statement webpage.

Research that supports your issue:

#5.1 Do you have supporting research to add to your action plan? Don't worry if not. You can track this later in your Custom Advocacy Guide.#

Media coverage that supports your issue:

#6.1 Do you have coverage that would support your position? Don't worry if not. You can track this later in your Custom Advocacy Guide.#

Visit the "Finding Your Voice" section to learn more about how you might use media tactics to advocate for your issue.

Potential Partner: #10.1 What is the organization?#

Since you answered that AAP or your state chapter are not working on this issue, you might consider reaching out to put the issue on their radar. Email kids1st@aap.org to reach the Academy or visit this list of AAP chapter websites to reach your chapter.

Since you answered that you’re unsure of whether AAP or your state chapter is working on this issue, reach out to ask! Email kids1st@aap.org to reach the Academy or visit this list of AAP chapter websites to reach your chapter.

Since you mentioned there are not other organizations advocating for your position, you might consider reaching out to AAP or your state chapter to see if they can provide any insight on other organizations that might be involved. Email kids1st@aap.org to reach the Academy or visit this list of AAP chapter websites to reach your chapter.

Since you are unsure if there are other organizations advocating for your position, you might consider reaching out to AAP or your state chapter to ask. Email kids1st@aap.org to reach the Academy or visit this list of AAP chapter websites to reach your chapter.

Their strengths:

• Established leader in the field/issue

• Nonpartisan approach

• Strong funding and resources

• Unique perspective (brings a point-of-view that you cannot offer, such as family voices with lived experience)

• Established connections to policymakers/other leaders in the field

• Previous experience working with them

• Other

Your concerns:

• New to the issue

• Partisan approach

• Lacking funding and resources

• Not well connected to policymakers/other leaders in the field

• Conflicting or problematic positions on other child health issues

• No previous experience working with this organization

• Other

My contact at #10.1 What is the organization?#: #10.4.1 Who is your contact?#

For guidance on connecting with potential partner organizations, visit the "Finding Your Partners" section. There you will find more information on coalition-building and how to initiate outreach to a potential partner.

Understanding the opposition to your issue is a key step to developing your advocacy plan. Take the time to do some research on other groups that do not share your same viewpoint and what drives their position.

Opposing Organization: #12.1 What is the organization?#

Reasons for opposition:

• A funding concern

• Other competing priorities

• Industry opposition

• Not on their radar to prioritize

• Other

#4 Guidance Text#

Partner with AAP

Consider the AAP a natural partner from the beginning. Do your research on how your AAP state chapter and/or AAP National is working on your issue

Engage the media

Raising awareness on your issue through the media can be an effective advocacy tactic, whether it's writing an op-ed for your state newspaper or pitching your issue to local reporters. Explore media advocacy opportunities in the "Finding Your Voice" section.

Build strength in numbers

Adding your voice to existing efforts or finding partners who can support your advocacy work can help build your own capacity and elevate your issue. Learn more about coalition building in the "Finding Your Partners" section.

Communicate with legislators

If your issue has a legislative focus, communicating with legislators and legislative staff - whether at the state or federal level - can drive change. Visit the "Finding Your Champions" section for comprehensive information on communicating with lawmakers.

Amplify on social media

Social media can be an effective advocacy tool to bring attention to your advocacy issue and tell your story. Learn more about social media advocacy in this section.

You indicated that this is a time-sensitive issue, here are some tips to consider:

• Check the congressional schedule or your state legislature's calendar to see when lawmakers are in session
• Concentrate your advocacy activity into a specific timeframe, such as leading a Day of Action on your issue
• Lean on others who may have more capacity to amplify your advocacy efforts in a short amount of time or who have direct connections to the audiences you are trying to reach
• Use the timely news hook of your issue to your advantage and write an op-ed on the topic that is more likely to get picked up for publication

You indicated that this is a National issue. Here are some tips for effectively engaging on national issues:

• Connect with AAP National to see how you might be able to amplify existing advocacy efforts on the topic. Email kids1st@aap.org to inquire
• Consider pursuing national-level media placements, such as an op-ed published in a national news outlet
• Explore connections with national organizations or nationally-recognized voices who are passionate about your issue

You indicated that this is a state/local issue. Here are some tips to consider:

• Connect with your AAP state chapter and explore other partnerships within your community, such as with the local school or community organization
• Get to know your local health reporters and the issues they cover. There may be an opportunity for them to cover your issue.
• Consider organizing a local forum or townhall on your issue

Since you are not sure whether this is a local/state or national level issue, reach out to the AAP Advocacy Team at kids1st@aap.org to ask.