This webinar begins with an overview of why advocacy matters and how it makes a big difference for infants, children, and families and the professionals who care for them.  Over the course of the hour, you will learn the nuts and bolts of advocacy, including:

• Information that policymakers need to make decisions, including how an issue impacts their constituents and supporters
• The helpful facts, figures, and personal stories that narrate and frame an issue, so it is easily understood and relatable
• How visible an issue is in the community and among constituents and supporters, and the range of opinions about it
• How to contact and learn more about your elected officials and those working on your issues, as well as advocacy and community coalitions
• Ways to have your voice heard by identifying and volunteering with (or creating!) advocacy and community coalitions engaged in your issues
• Strategies and methods for connecting to officials when you find them, and how to keep your issue front and center

In small breakout groups, you’ll share your issue areas with fellow participants, and research how to contact your elected officials, like-minded advocacy groups, and community coalitions.  A resource list and tip sheet will be provided to all participants as a desktop reference guide for your advocacy efforts.