Before diving into advocacy, it’s important that you build your advocacy knowledge foundation. Here we’ll review the advocacy building blocks, including the advocacy basics, the different types of advocacy and the importance of the pediatrician advocate voice.

But what is advocacy?

Advocacy & Civics 101

There’s no right way to advocate — there’s only the right way for you. As you begin charting your advocacy journey, it’s important to keep in mind that advocacy can occur at three levels of government: local, state, and federal. Click on the icons below to learn more about each kind of advocacy and explore information about state and federal government. Our advocacy webpage has more too:

Local Advocacy & Your Community

Local advocacy takes place right in your own community.

State Advocacy & Government

State advocacy seeks public policy changes at - you guessed it - the state level.

Federal Advocacy & Government

Federal advocacy pursues public policy changes to improve children's health with a national scope.

Civics 101 Trivia

Bill-neutral-100px.pngPut your civics 101 and federal government knowledge to the test with this interactive trivia game!

Play here

Individual Voice

Authenticity — You are the expert on what children need. No one can represent them better than you. As a result, policymakers know you aren’t advocating for your own interests, but rather for those of the patients you care for.

Personal and patient anecdotes — Using your stories and those of your patients, you can humanize big picture policies in a way policymakers cannot. And you can do that while still protecting patient confidentiality.

On-the-ground perspective — Offer to serve as a resource for busy legislators. You can keep them updated on child health issues they care about but might otherwise miss, as well as answer any questions they have. You can also provide first-hand information about how these issues affect your patients.

Unique expertise on the news — By offering your perspective as a pediatrician on current events, you can help the public understand what’s going on and how it connects to child health and related advocacy issues.

AAP Voice

Credibility — With your training and credentials, you’re already a well-respected member of your community. And as a member of the AAP, you’re also part of the country’s leading voice for child health. Our evidence-based policy proposals can further support your advocacy.

Power in numbers — Advocacy is a team effort. Through the AAP, you can lean on the support of thousands of members across the nation. No one can turn a policy proposal into a law all by themselves — but together, we can.

National audience — When the AAP speaks out or releases a new policy statement, it often makes national headlines. When pediatricians, community members, and other advocates come together, their unified voice can cross miles — and media.

Amplifies individual voice — With extensive resources and a national presence, the AAP can give advocates the megaphone they need to make their voices heard.