hOW TO ADVOCATE

How:Phone Call

Step 1

Find your House Representatives here and your Senators here.

Step 2

Get their contact information and input it into your phone’s contacts for easy access (phone number and email).

Step 3

Research a policy proposal that you are passionate about like those found on UNICEF’s Action Page (https://act.unicefusa.org/ )

Step 4

Write out a script for yourself. See quick examples below are click here for an extra resource.

Step 5

Call! Leave a voicemail as short as 10 seconds for your Representative’s office.

Step 6

Done! Repeat this small act once a week and encourage your family and friends to follow suit.

uNSURE ABOUT WHAT TO SAY? rEFERENCE THESE SCRIPTS:

1. Hello,

My name is [name name] and I am one of your constituents in [Your State’s ##] District. I urge you to co-sponsor name of legislation to support UNICEF and UNICEF USA.

2. Hello,

My name is [name name] and I am a supporter of UNICEF. I would like you to support name of legislation.

3.Hello,

I am a UNICEF supporter. Please protect the [type of funding/bill/relief effort.]

hOW: Email or Letter

Step 1: Research

Visit a credible organization that advocates for the same policy and change as you. Learn about what they have to say, read the policy in detail to make sure it is something you support, and make sure you are staying true to your values.

Step 2: Templates

See if they have a prewritten template that you can use. Repetition is key in the Congressional Office’s algorithms!

Step 2.a.: Use their template and send it to the email listed on your representative’s website.

Step 2.a.i.: Find your House Representatives here and your Senators here

Step 3: Writing

If they don’t have a template you can use, write your own!

Important Points To Include:

Who are you?
What are you writing about? What are you asking for?
Why is your ask important and relevant?
Do you have any recommendations or preferred courses of action?

Important Notes:

Be kind.
Be respectful.
Do your research.
Cite external sources.
Use a professional email and/or letter format.
Check your email name - is it something you would feel comfortable using to contact your boss?
Keep your letter professional and straight to the point. Your leader’s office should be able to skim it and get a complete visual of your ask.

Examples:

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