Speak Up for Kids! Advocacy at The Children's Hospital

Speak Now for Kids

In the national healthcare debate, one thing is exceedingly clear: If you don't speak up you won't be heard.
And there are no better voices for what children need in health care reform than those of the parents, family members, physicians, educators, advocates and others who care for them and about them. The Children's Hospital has joined the National Association of Children’s Hospitals’ Speak Now for Kids in Health Reform campaign , along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Children’s Defense Fund, Children’s Health Fund, First Focus, March of Dimes and more than 100 other children’s hospitals and allied organizations around the country to provide those who care about children and health reform the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to Congress.

Please join us in this effort by telling Congress that children’s healthcare is important to you - share your voice . You’ll also have the option to add your personal story, upload photos or video testimonials on the aspect of health reform that you care about most. Whether it is access to care, coverage for all children, cost of insurance or co-pays or the quality of pediatric care – reach out and share your opinions. Engage your friends, family and colleagues in the campaign, and ask them to do Speak Now for Kids!

Advocacy at The Children's Hospital

Have you ever gone to bat for your child when there was a problem at school? Or helped a relative or neighbor get care 

 

2009 Membership Challenge: Help Us Recruit New Advocates!

As you know, The Children's Hospital Grassroots Advocacy Network is an easy way to join forces with thousands of other people to make sure that state and national laws and policies are good for kids. Participate in the annual Membership Challenge to help us recruit new members!  From September 1 – October 1, challenge your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues to join the Network !  Those who recruit the most new members have the chance to win prizes such as gift cards and Children’s collateral. Listen to some of our most dedicated advocates talk about the value of being a member.   Additionally, you can download text that you can email to your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues recruiting them to join our efforts. Make sure to have your friends, family and colleagues type in YOUR name in the area where it asks how they heard about the Network!Everyone who lives in Colorado, has a valid email address, and cares about kids is encouraged to join!  Please email advocacy@tchden.org with questions.

when they were sick? Maybe even asked friends to support a favorite project? If so, then you have been an advocate. Advocacy simply means to speak up, to plead the case of another, or to champion a cause. It is something that most of us do routinely on behalf of our families, our neighbors, our friends, and ourselves.

At The Children's Hospital, it is a key part of our mission to advocate on behalf of kids in the public policy arena, making sure that their needs and concerns are heard when important decisions are made.  We have many ways that you can get involved and participate - it's easy! Don't just take it from us, click here to watch a video to learn more about how easy it really is to make a difference for kids!

The Children's Hospital Grassroots Advocacy Network

All of our advocacy efforts rely on the strength and action of The Children's Hospital Grassroots Advocacy Network.  This is a group of people who care about kids' health and well-being and want to make a difference. Over four thousand people currently participate in the Network, which joins the voices of physicians, healthcare professionals, patients and families with business leaders and community members to speak up clearly and powerfully for kids when public policy decisions are made. Advocates write letters, make phone calls, and share information when needed to influence public policies. Join the Network now!

Advocacy Events

The Children's Hospital organizes several events throughout the year for advocates. "Day at the Capitol" takes advocates on specialized tours of the State Capitol and introduces them to legislators over lunch. Our annual "Be a Champ for Children!" Advocacy Workshop shares basic advocacy strategies with beginners and teaches more advanced tactics to experienced advocates. Additionally, we offer advocates the opportunity to participate in election-related voter information and awareness activities each fall. Participate in one of our Advocacy Events! 

Coalitions

The Children's Hospital maintains partnerships with many community organizations to ensure close connections to other groups working on kids' issues and to share resources and information. Learn more about our coalition partners that interest you.

Publications

Those enrolled in the Advocacy Network receive a regular newsletter - Rooting for Kids! - that gives the latest scoop on our advocacy work, events, and alerts. A "Tool Kit for Easy Advocacy" booklet, packed full of advocacy tips and strategies, is mailed to every advocate when they Join the Network.