Be the voice for children
Children’s Minnesota can spearhead initiatives that advocate for children’s health and health care, but to get advocacy to really work, we need support from the whole community. That’s where you come in. You can be a voice for children.
You can advocate on behalf of Children’s Minnesota, our patients and children in our community in several ways.
Children’s Advocacy Network
When you join the Children’s Advocacy Network, you’ll get the latest information on policies that impact children’s health. We’ll alert you when there is an opportunity to contact your legislators on these issues.
Tell us your story
Every experience from patients, families and the community tells an important story. How has Children’s impacted your life? Tell us about it.
Families share how their experience at Children’s moved them to action
The Stoltz family tells us about their daughter’s time in the NICU and how the experience made them advocate for access to quality care.
The Gillen family tells their story of what brought them to Children’s and how therapy dogs inspired them to advocate on behalf of all kids.
Mike and John Johnston share their Children’s story in Washington D.C. at Family Advocacy Day.
Contact your legislators
Legislators want to hear about issues that matter to their constituents. As a resident of this state, you’re a constituent. Visit the District Finder to identify your state and federal elected officials.
Contacting your legislators is an important way to encourage action on an issue that matters to you. At the state level, if a legislator receives even five unique messages on a certain subject, his/her attention is raised. Every communication truly counts.
If you sign up for the Children’s Advocacy Network, you’ll be alerted when legislation that affects the health and well-being of children is under consideration, and we’ll help you contact legislators directly.
Tips on effectively contacting your legislators
Here are some quick and easy tips to use when contacting your legislators about potential legislation:
- Identify yourself by name and home address. Legislators are more likely to engage with you if they know you’re a constituent.
- Identify the policy proposal you wish to talk about by the bill’s name and number if possible.
- Briefly state your position on the bill or issue, tell your personal story and how you wish your legislator to vote.
- If your legislator requests additional information, refer them to the Children’s Advocacy and Health Policy department and call us to get the information. Follow up by sending information to your legislator as soon as possible.
- If a legislator votes as you asked, send them a thank you note. It‘s a good reminder for them to know you hold them accountable and appreciate when they respond to your requests.
You can find more helpful advocacy hints at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits’ Helpful Tips for Contacting Legislators.
Know how and where to vote
Public policy that protects children’s health can’t happen without a politically engaged population. Voting is a critically important part of advocacy. Here are some helpful resources for Minnesota voters:
Questions?
Please contact a member of our team if you’d like to learn more about our work.