Be an Advocate for Children

When Texans come together to address the big issues kids face, the results are far-reaching and long-lasting. Today, fewer children than a generation ago grow up poor, uninsured, and exposed to dangers like lead paint or preventable disease. These accomplishments came, not by accident, but because folks who care about kids worked together to make more child-friendly laws—and to make leaders more accountable.

There's still work to be done, and kids need you to stand up for them today. Explore the links below for more information, on what you can do as an individual or a nonprofit organization. Or for a complete advocacy resource, get the Texans Care for Children Advocacy Manual, or attend one of our advocacy trainings.

Name
Why Advocate?	Why speaking out is the best way to create a real impact for children.
10 Ways to Advocate	Ways you can take action now to better children's lives and Texas' future.
Nonprofits and Advocacy	Nonprofit organizations can and should be part of the policy process.
Texas' Process for Making Laws	How things work here in Texas and when to make your voice heard.
Your Texas Leaders	Individuals, agencies, and committees who affect policies for children in Texas.
Elevator Speech	Make your case quickly and effectively to officials, reporters, or anyone else.
Candidate Forums	Before an election, get candidates thinking about children’s needs.
Voting	How to elect people who share your values.
Communicating with Elected Officials	What to do when you call, email, or write to elected officials.
Visiting Elected Officials	Have a productive meeting with your representative with these tips.
Letters to the Editor	Tips for getting your letter into print and attention to your issue.
Building Relationships with Elected Officials	Ensure your representatives know what matters to you.