HFA and Advocacy
Advocacy Building Blocks
The building blocks of advocacy are hard-wired into the HFA way! Here are some ideas of where to start.
Foster Relationships
It’s easier than you think! Public officials, such as state legislators, members of Congress, and city officials, have staff who are dedicated to meeting with community members. Call and set up a meeting to talk about your great work! For members of Congress, reach out to the local district office.
Connect with local and state advocates
Your job is to serve families, not monitor public policy! Connect with local and state advocacy organizations and have them keep you updated on what issues are before public officials and the best time to speak up.
Provide advocacy opportunities
Once you’re connected with an advocacy organization, you can keep your staff and families informed about when they can speak up on issues that matter to them. Also make sure you encourage and support staff and families to vote!
Share family stories
Families are the most powerful messengers! Being an advocate can be life changing, especially when parents are authentically engaged and empowered. Prepare, protect, and reflect with families so it is a positive experience all around!
Talk about HFA’s impact
HFA has over 30 years of research showing positive results with families in geographically and racially diverse communities. Share our Evidence of Effectiveness with public officials and their staff and connect these results to the experiences of HFA families that you serve.
Host a site visit
There’s nothing like inviting someone into your ‘home’ to build and strengthen a relationship. Invite a public official and/or their staff to come and hear directly from your staff and families. It takes a little planning (we’ll help!), but the payoff is enormous!
Advocacy Support for HFA Sites
The policy staff are here to support you! Contact us for additional guidance on any of the advocacy building blocks.
Check out our network resources for more advocacy tips and tools for setting up meetings or site visits, supporting family engagement, and more!
Join the HFA Community group to get connected to advocates like yourself, and stay up to date on the various policy issues HFA folks are advocating for around the country!
Want to contact us?
Interested in learning more about our home visiting programs or helping transform childhoods and communities? Get in touch—we’ll respond as quickly as we can.