Children have no vote — that’s just one reason why they need advocates like you to be their voice.

What does it mean to be an advocate? Pure and simple, it means to “speak up.” Your advocacy can not only serve as the voice for children and families, but it can also educate the public and elected officials about issues important to children, and even help policymakers develop informed solutions to problems impacting children. Create change and become an advocate for children! 

To get started:

1. Arm yourself with information about the many pediatric healthcare and research-related issues that impact children. These include healthcare reform, insurance coverage for kids, mental health, pediatric research funding, and much more. Learn more about the many topics that impact children.
2. Follow Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Advocacy on Twitter (@CHOPadvocacy) to keep up with the latest policy and regulatory issues impacting our patients, clinicians, Hospital and Research Institute.
3. Learn about CHOP's commitment to providing world-class services and improving the health of children throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Advocacy tips

There are many ways to be an advocate for children. Follow these steps to become an advocate for children’s health and pediatric research.

• VOTE! Remember that every election matters. Before voting, research local, state and federal candidates’ thoughts on issues that impact children. If you can’t find the information you are seeking online, feel free to call their office to ask more detailed questions. 
• Decide how you want to make change. Determine where your passion lies and share it with others. Remember, it can be more impactful to advocate for an issue that has a personal connection to you and your family. 
• Connect and partner with organizations that share your views, like CHOP. Use social media, like Facebook and Twitter (@CHOPadvocacy), to connect to like-minded organizations and as a tool to spread the word to your friends and contacts. 
• Reach out to your elected officials in a simple, clear and straightforward way via phone or email. Identify your local, state or federal elected officials using www.usa.gov. Follow these legislative advocacy tips when reaching out.
• Remember, if you are a CHOP employee and would like to advocate on behalf of CHOP, first contact the Government Affairs staff before reaching out to an elected official.