Advocacy Tips

APHA staff and leaders rigorously advocate on important public health issues all year. Your participation would help because legislators listen to what their constituents have to say, as constituents are their first priority. The following resources will provide you with all of the information and materials you need to contact your policy makers and be successful in your advocacy efforts:

• NEW: Questions to ask candidates running for local, state and national office. Help start conversations about public health!
• Top Ten Rules of Advocacy: an essential resource before speaking or meeting with policy makers.
• APHA Legislative Advocacy Handbook  is a valuable resource for members on the legislative and regulatory processes and tips for engaging in advocacy.
• Hill visit do's and don'ts.
• Ready to schedule a meeting? Here are tips on making a visit to your member of Congress and a sample letter requesting a meeting.
• Here are tips for how to call your members of Congress and how to write them a letter.
• Sample phone script to ask policy makers to support increased funding for public health programs.
• Bring materials to leave behind with your legislator and State Fact Sheets on key public health statistics in your state.
• Tips for speaking at a town or public meeting.
• Can't make a visit? Support APHA's advocacy efforts by sending action alerts to Capitol Hill offices through CapWiz.
• Find your elected officials.
• WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK! Please complete this follow-up report on your meeting.