TIPS ON ADVOCACY

 

An important tenet of child abuse prevention is legislative advocacy.  While non-profit organizations are permitted to lobby by law, it is important to remember that there are limits to this activity.  Though it cannot serve as the primary function of a 501(c)(3) organization, it is understood that these organizations will, from time to time, promote legislation, contact policy-makers, and educate the public on their cause. 

With these facts in mind, Prevent Child Abuse America collaborates with other members of the National Child Abuse Coalition on the federal level, and works closely with our nationwide chapter network on state and local levels, to educate policy-makers, support significant legislation, and educate the public about issues around child abuse and neglect.

Successful advocacy requires actively pursuing a variety of strategies to increase public support for child and family issues.  Practices can range from letter-writing to large-scale grassroots or direct lobbying, to representing a juvenile in court.  In general, advocacy is about building relationships with people who share your concerns and with those who are in a position to do something about them.  Some traditional components of advocacy approaches include:  

• Letter Writing
  
• Meetings with legislators
  
• Telephone calls/Email/Op-Eds 
   
  

Important reminders on being an effective advocate for children and families:

• Be clear about the concerns you wish to promote.
  
• Reach out to individuals and groups in your community who are also involved in helping
  children and families.
  
• Bring your evidence, arguments, and proposed solutions to the attention of those who are in
  positions of influence.
  
• Never forget the importance of building relationships and networking.
  
• Enlist the help of the news media.
  
• Ensure that the voices of the children and families for whom you are advocating are heard.
  
• Maintain a positive, professional and assertive approach.