Advocacy Tools

Family Voices of California seeks to ensure that the voices of families of children with special health care needs are heard at both the state and federal level when policies, votes and decisions are made.

We encourage families, professionals, advocates and all those interested in the well being of children with special health care needs to write or talk to their elected officials about the policies and decisions affecting their children.

Tools for Advocacy

WHO ARE YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS?

Find out who your elected Federal and State officials are and how to contact them by simply entering your zip code.
www.vote-smart.org

TIPS FOR WRITING TO LEGISLATORS

• Writing to Legislators
• Writing to Legislators (Spanish)
• Writing to Legislators (Chinese)

ADVOCACY AND POLICY WEBSITES

Here are some sites that offer information on policy development and/or legislative initiatives concerning children:

http://www.amchp.org/
The Legislative page of AMCHP (The Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs) tracks and analyzes emerging policy issues that impact family health, such as Medicaid reform, bioterrorism and welfare reauthorization.

http://www.childrennow.org/california/index.html
"California Focus" has information on policies affecting children in California. Go to ACT>Current Campaigns (www.childrennow.org/index.php/act/campaigns/) to view some active campaigns in California and Washington D.C.

http://www.childrensdefense.org
The Children's Defense Fund's mission is to "Leave No Child Behind." The site offers lots of information and links to other sites.

http://www.familiesusa.org/
Families USA provides lots of information on children's health issues from various sources. View Legislative alerts in their Action Center portal: familiesusa.org/resources/action-center/

http://www.familyvoices.org
Look at the "Advocates Corner" or click on "Policy" to get current information on proposed federal legislation and policies affecting children.

http://www.health-access.org
Health Access California is a statewide health care consumer advocacy coalition of over 200 organizations working for the goal of quality, affordable, health care for all Californians.

http://www.healthlaw.org
This is the site of the National Health Law Program with lots of information on health policy. Click on "Children's Health" to view issues concerning children's health policies.

http://www.kff.org/
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation provides information on and analysis of health issues, including Medicaid and SCHIP.

http://www.mchlibrary.info/alert/index.html
MCH Alert is a free weekly electronic newsletter that provides timely reference to research, findings, policy developments, recently released publications, new programs, and initiatives affecting the maternal and child health (MCH) community. Visit the page to subscribe or view present and past issues.

http://www.supportforfamilies.org/legislative/current.html
Provides resources to navigate the maze of legislation that governs the delivery of services to children. Keep up on current issues and get links to information about laws and the legislative process.
 

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