Advocacy is an important component to assure sustainability of any prevention effort.
What Exactly IS Advocacy?
Advocacy is a key part of the public policy process. Numerous policy issues constantly compete for
attention at the local, state and national levels. Legislators are generalists and rely on subject matter
experts to guide their decision making. Therefore, it is critical to understand how to be an effective
advocate for your cause and get your issue on legislators’ policy radar screens. Advocacy can take many
forms, from meeting with a legislator in Washington, DC, to attending a town hall in your local community,
to sending an email to a legislative staffer. Everyone who wants to participate in advocacy can do so
regardless of experience level or time constraints. Learn to get your issue on the policy radar screen so that
you can make a difference in your community. CADCA, 2022
attention at the local, state and national levels. Legislators are generalists and rely on subject matter
experts to guide their decision making. Therefore, it is critical to understand how to be an effective
advocate for your cause and get your issue on legislators’ policy radar screens. Advocacy can take many
forms, from meeting with a legislator in Washington, DC, to attending a town hall in your local community,
to sending an email to a legislative staffer. Everyone who wants to participate in advocacy can do so
regardless of experience level or time constraints. Learn to get your issue on the policy radar screen so that
you can make a difference in your community. CADCA, 2022
Reliable Resources for Learning More About Advocacy
| CADCA'S Advocacy Toolkit 2022 |
| National Association of County and City Health Officials Advocacy Toolkit |
| Advocacy 101 - 2020 |
| Student Guide to the Legislative Process in Michigan |
| Writing to Your Legislator - Helpful Hints |
