Advocacy: Grassroots Essentials
Advocacy and legislative issues are a very important component of our every day practice. Members of the Alumni Association are encouraged to actively participate and to have an active voice in the following areas:
- The new examination format for the American Board of Pediatrics, suggested by the American Board of Medical Examiners.
- Increase in Medicaid reimbursement fees for Pediatricians.
- Increase in health coverage for uninsured children.
- Assure continuation of Graduate Medical Education Reimbursement to Independent Children's Hospitals.
Visit Advocacy at MCH and learn how you can join our team.
What is Child Advocacy?
It is speaking out, speaking up, joining neighborhoods together building connections among institutions, and strengthening families. It is about using facts, using faces and using every tool possible to improve the lives of children and families. Armed with data and information, they advocate for legislative changes, challenge unjust policies that affect children and inform parents and other voters about children's needs. Child advocates work to improve the whole child, turning their energies on issues including health care, child care, education/violence prevention and poverty. A child advocate is motivated by a fierce belief that we, as a society, can do better for our children.
Advocating by Telephone
When the legislature is in session, you can call your legislators directly at their offices.
If you do not know your Florida State Representative and Senator's phone numbers, they are easily found on the Florida State Website at MyFlorida.com and please click on Legislative Directory or On Line Sunshine-Guide to the Florida Legislature. Then, look up your State Representative and Senator!
Tips for calling your legislators
- Identify yourself by name and address.
- Identify the bill you wish to talk about, by name and number. Briefly state your position and how you wish your legislator to vote.
- Ask for your legislator's position on the bill or issue; ask for a commitment to vote for your position; don't argue if your legislator has an opposing view or hasn't yet decided.
- If your legislator needs additional information, supply it as quickly as possible.
- Do not be over zealous or threaten your legislator.
- Follow the call with a note restating your position and thanking them for their time
Advocating by Letter
During legislative session, letters should be sent directly to the state Capitol, and may be addressed: Senator (or Representative) Florida State Capitol Write:
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
An effective letter includes
- Who you are (voter...belong to xyz coalition)
- What you want done (writing to ask your support of House Bill 1234)
- What the bill does (this bill improves *** for kids by ... )
- Who supports it (is supported by a broad group of coalitions, including...)
- What you want done again, in slightly different words (please make this possible by voting in support of HB 1234 in Committee and later on the floor...)
- Your name, address and telephone number (please feel free to contact me. I am happy to provide any information or answer any questions on this issue...)
Advocating In Person
Legislators welcome visits from constituents. They want you involved! However, legislators are busy so time is critical plan ahead and use time well.
Tips for meeting with your legislators
- Make it easy for your legislator to meet with you; do your best to accommodate their schedule.
- Expect to have about 15 minutes with your legislator. Be on time, be prepared, be polite and be brief.
- Try to learn in advance where your legislator stands on an issue.
- Don't be surprised if they don't know about your issue that is why you are there.
- Be prepared to explain how the bill will affect you and others in the district.
- If you don't know an answer to a question say "I don't know the answer to that but I will find out and get back to you.... and then DO!
- Before leaving, ask how you can be of help to them (More information? Site visit?)
- Follow up with a thank you note and any requested information.
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