IN THIS ISSUE

BEING AN ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD

A Girl and Mother Kissing

In tight economic times, when politicians and budgets are pushed to the brink, funding for children’s programs is often first on the chopping block. Children don’t vote and they have no political voice. That’s why it’s important for parents, families, caregivers and community members to step up to the responsibility of speaking on behalf of children.

Voices for Virginia’s Children is the leading statewide non-profit, multi-issue organization advocating on behalf of children in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Their mission is to speak up for policy changes benefiting children in Virginia. Over the last 13 years, Voices has helped children and their families by advocating for smart investments and policy solutions that have improved the lives of Virginia children and families.

Voices’ website (www.vakids.org) has an online tool that allows you to email your legislators directly, as well as sample letters and fact sheets on many issues related to children’s wellbeing. Also, you can sign up for the First Things First listserv that sends out timely advocacy and legislative updates regarding a variety of children’s issues including mental health, health, foster care, early care and education, and family economic success. Smart Beginnings’ website (www.smartbeginningsshr.org) also contains links to resources and tools to advocate on behalf of children, as well as suggestions for reaching the community, such as having a speaker from Smart Beginnings’ Speakers’ Bureau present to local civic groups and organizations.

When contacting legislative officials directly through visits, phone calls and letters, follow some of these guidelines to ensure that your message is heard loud and clear:

Be positive: Presenting yourself in a non-partisan, nonthreatening manner will make you a more effective advocate.

  • Begin meetings or letters with a warm introduction
  • Follow personal meetings with a thank you note if a legislator votes with you or a polite letter of regret if not

Be personal: Personal letters are better than form letters; be sure to share your personal experiences and concerns.

  • Describe your concerns using examples in letters or phone calls
  • Give your name and address when calling and mention group membership, if appropriate

Be persistent: It may take some time to effect change, but your persistence reflects the importance of the issue.

  • Make visits with a friend or group if possible
  • Be brief and concise, focus on only one or two issues at a time

In these tough economic times, legislators must make difficult decisions regarding policy and budgeting, but politicians can only represent the viewpoint of citizens who make themselves heard. Learn as much as you can about legislation that impacts your child and all children in our region so that you can make a difference in the lives of children in South Hampton Roads.

Source: www.vakids.org and www.thechildrenstrust.org

READY FOR SCHOOL

READY FOR LIFE