ABCs of Advocacy

One person can make a major difference in the lives of children. There are many ways to get involved. Volunteer at a community-based organization that helps children, share your concerns about child welfare with local elected officials, or write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. Here's how you can get involved:

Voice your support: Take a stand on policies and legislation that improve the well-being of children when it comes to health, safety and early education.

Stay informed: Subscribe to First 5 LA’s Monday Morning Report and other child advocacy newsletters that track policy matters:

• First 5 Association of California
• Children's Health Initiative of Greater Los Angeles
• Community Health Councils, Inc.
• Children NOW
• California Budget Project
• California Department of Education
• California Association for the Education of Young Children
• Health Access

Write letters: Submit letters to the editor in local newspapers in response to articles about to children’s health, education and safety.

Contact elected officials: Write or call the governor and state and federal lawmakers to voice your support for legislation that improves the well-being of all children.

• Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
  State Capitol Building
  Sacramento, CA 95814
  Phone: 916-445-2841
  Fax: 916-445-4633
  Email the Governor (web form)
• Assembly Speaker John A Pérez
  State Capitol
  P.O. Box 942849
  Sacramento, CA 94249-0046
  Tel: (916) 319-2046
  Fax: (916) 319-2146
• Senate President Darrell Steinberg
  State Capitol, Room 205
  Sacramento,  CA  95814
  Phone:  (916) 651-4006
  Fax:  (916) 323-2263
• Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield
  Chair, Assembly Budget Committee
  State Capitol
  P.O. Box 942849
  Sacramento, CA 94249-0040
  Tel: (916) 319-2040
  Fax: (916) 319-2140
• Senator Denise Ducheny
  Chair, State Senate Budget Committee
  State Capitol,
  Room 5035
  Sacramento,  CA  95814
  (916) 651-4040
  (916) 327-3522 fax
• Find your state Senator or Assembly member