Power of Advocacy

The Power of Advocacy
The American Public Health Association’s mission is to create the healthiest nation in one generation. We need your voice to build
strong public support and influence Congress to help us meet this challenge.
Why Advocate? The time to be an advocate for Policymakers themselves express the same reverence to
public health is now. Public health constituent advocacy:
is discussed in various capacities every day on Capitol Hill,
in the White House and federal agencies and by state and “Every policy issue goes through three stages: education, activation
local decision-makers. Without the voice of those who and implementation. Congress is a stimulus response institution.
possess both expertise and experience in public health, And there is nothing more stimulating than having hundreds of
legislation, regulations and other policy decisions may not public health professionals, families and caregivers meeting with
reflect what is best for the public’s health. you about an important issue. Advocates have played an integral
role in getting politicians to understand public health issues
The beauty of our democratic system is that all citizens
have the right to advocate. As a constituent, you are an and getting lawmakers motivated to act. It is these grassroots
indispensable part of our democratic system, and your efforts that have helped us achieve increased funding for health
advocacy is an important mechanism to influence Congress research and surveillance, increased healthcare coverage and quick
and its actions. Being an advocate can have far-reaching responses to the most important public health threats of our time.”
positive impacts on the public’s health by providing
policymakers with the information they need to make –Sen. Edward Markey, Massachusetts
decisions and, in turn, influence legislation.
Educating your members of Congress about the latest
While the legislative process can be long and complex, information in the world of public health is critical to
effective advocacy does not have to be. Advocates with ensuring that health-related legislation is based on the
public health expertise are vital to the process and can help most rigorous and current scientific evidence. Additionally,
shape and improve legislative proposals. Through meeting your persistence in continually educating members of
with your members of Congress, writing letters and sending Congress on the importance of public health programs can
emails, you have the ability to educate your elected officials help to ensure the continuation and growth of public health
about the importance of public health and encourage programs.
elected officials to incorporate health considerations into
their decisions across all policy areas. Also, for members of Advocacy efforts extend beyond interacting with your
Congress who already are supportive of public health, your members of Congress. To amplify your message and
advocacy presents an opportunity to transform supporters build greater public support, you can help by educating
into even more vocal public health champions. the public about the important role public health plays in
improving their lives. This education can take place in the
Citizens are more powerful than they realize when it comes
form of conversations with family, friends and colleagues
to influencing members of Congress. A study conducted
about public health issues and the importance of advocacy.
by the Congressional Management Foundation discovered
You also can use your social media platforms or submit
constituent visits to the Washington, D.C., office (97%)
op-eds and letters to the editor to your local newspapers to
and to the district/state office (94%) have “some” or “a
highlight key public health issues and priorities.
lot” of influence on an undecided member of Congress.
The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and all communities. We strengthen the
profession of public health, promote best practices and share the latest public health research and information. We are
the only organization that influences federal policy, has a 140-plus year perspective and brings together members from
all fields of public health. Learn more at www.apha.org.
APHA | 800 I Street, NW | Washington, DC 20001 | 202-777-2742

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The Power of Advocacy

APHA | 800 I Street, NW | Washington, DC 20001 | 202-777-2742

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