Save the date- November 12! 

Join us in a national movement where we fill congressional district and state offices on November 12 to ensure Congress understands why community health centers are so important.

Can’t make it to your elected official’s office but still want to take action? Click here to call your representatives and make your voice heard! Calling your members of Congress is easy as 1, 2, 3….

1. Click here to access the call-in
2. Enter your information (please ensure to enter a direct line- no extensions!)
3. Pick-up the phone! You will automatically receive a phone call that will connect you with the offices of your members of Congress. Follow the talking points on the screen to help craft your message. Community health centers NEED long-term, stable funding.

Meeting with your elected representatives is a powerful way to advocate for the important work your health center does every day in your community, and you do not have to travel to Washington to do so! Although Congress will be back in session on November 12, it is still incredibly valuable to build relationships with Congressional staff at district offices. We urge you to take our pledge and commit to scheduling time to meeting at your local congressional offices the first annual Unity for Community Health Day!

Three Weeks Prior to Meeting:

How do I even get started with scheduling a meeting with my elected official? What do I even say when we get there? Check out the tools below for help!

• Take Our Pledge to Schedule a Meeting
• How to schedule a local meeting with legislators
• What’s Our Ask For Congress? – Talking points you can use in your meetings
• Tips for a Successful Meeting
• State Level Health Center Data & Maps
• Update on Congressional Action

Day-Of Meeting- Leave Behind Packet Resources:

Always come prepared with a folder of documents you can leave behind when meeting with elected officials. Print off the documents below and be sure to supplement with documents specific to your health center!

• One-Pager: What federal investments in Health Centers support
• Community Health Centers as Economic Engines
• State Level Health Center Data & Maps
• Health Center Funding Impact Estimator– provide estimates on the impact a loss in federal funding will have on your specific health center

Day After Meeting:

I’ve meet with my elected official or their staff, what should I do now?

• Make sure to send a thank you note to the office! Reiterate the importance of your health center and thank them for their time.
• Let us know how it went! Fill out this post-meeting report.

Advocacy Building Blocks:

Check out our latest blog posts to help build the skills you need to use your voice!

• Getting the Conversation Started– October 8, 2019
• Messaging and Framing in Grassroots Advocacy– October 16, 2019
• Boosting Visibility in Your District– October 22, 2019
• Building Local Partnerships and Social Capital– October 29, 2019
• The Do’s and Don’t of Meeting with Congressional Staffers– November 5, 2019