Unite for Child Survival: Advocacy Week

Kristi Burnham, UNICEF USA

From April 28 to May 2, we asked volunteers to become acquainted with three issues very important to UNICEF, and take one action every day in support of child survival. Thanks to the hundreds of you who took action and contacted your legislators. It's not too late! Click here to become a registered volunteer. Or, if you're already registered, log in.

Advocacy is a strategy to influence how policy makers enact laws and regulations, distribute resources and make important decisions that affect peoples' lives. To advocate for UNICEF means to speak up—to share your passion for children—to fight for a world where every child can grow up in safety, opportunity and hope.

In 2007, U.S. Fund for UNICEF supporters contacted their legislators at least 10,000 times on issues important to UNICEF. This year, we are counting on you to help us continue to make an impact on our national representatives. Let’s build a movement of UNICEF volunteers for child survival!

A week’s worth of activities

Take a different action every day! And no matter when you take the first action, you can continue throughout the week!

Day 1
Learn about advocating for UNICEF and why it is important by taking our self-guided online training module: "Advocating for UNICEF"

Day 2
Read about the three issues that UNICEF asks you take action on:

The U.S. Government's Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill
The Global Security and Priorities Resolution
The International Violence Against Women Act

Day 3
Click 3 times; send 3 letters. It’s that easy! Login to our Online Volunteer Center to let your Members of Congress know where you stand on the issues.

Day 4
Continue the conversation! Use our discussion questions and speaking points to let your friends and family know about the issues impacting UNICEF and how they can take action this week and beyond.

Day 5
Beyond this week—staying up to date. In addition to checking our website and blog regularly, pick up one of the books on our Suggested Reading List to learn more and support UNICEF.

Does my voice count?

UNICEF is always working on many issues before Congress. When you voice your opinion on issues that matter to children and women in the U.S., our country’s role in the global community, and UNICEF’s annual request of the U.S. Government to make a financial contribution to UNICEF, your legislators know that there is growing support for these critical issues.