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Top 10 Ways You Can Advocate When Congress is in Recess
When the summer heats up DC in August, Congress often takes off for a recess. But just because the House and Senate empty out doesn’t mean that there aren’t things you can be doing to have your voice heard and fight for family building options. RESOLVE has compiled our list of the top ten ways to advocate for you and the family community, even when Congress is in recess.
- Find legislative events to attend.
Congress might not be in session, but the world still spins, and there are still opportunities to listen, speak, and share our mission and the issues that impact their constituents. Search for and attend events like local town halls, public legislative events, and even community-centered events such as county or state fairs, parades, festivals, etc. Whether they are centered around family building issues or not, there are likely people there who have been touched by infertility struggles or know someone who has been. These places are great for asking questions from potential policymakers, raising awareness of issues, networking, and spreading the word about RESOLVE and the issues that are important to the family building community. - Share your story on social media and tag your legislator.
One of the best ways to show the real implications of laws is by sharing how they affect your own life and family building journey. By sharing your story through social media, you can educate others about how these policies shape real lives by helping or hurting future families. By tagging influential people like your representatives and senators, you can increase the likelihood they’ll see it and better understand the perspectives of their constituents. - Sign up for local lawmakers’ newsletters.
Be an informed citizen and sign up for newsletters from your city, county, and lawmakers. Learn the current issues they are concerned with and follow any news and updates about family building options and access to care. After all, knowledge is power! - Follow lawmakers, engage with them on social media.
This is similar to the above two points, but it’s important to know your lawmakers and their stances on issues. Talking with them and positively engaging with their social accounts allows them to hear the voices of the people they represent. And don’t be afraid to thank the policymakers who stand up for pro-family building rights! It’s a hard but important job, and hearing about the difference they’re making in our lives can help renew their vigor to keep up the good fight. - Talk with campaigners.
It’s campaign season, so don’t be surprised if someone knocks on your door to tell you about their favorite candidate. Even if your instinct is to ignore that ringing doorbell or quickly close an answered door in their face, consider instead asking them about where their candidate stands on issues around infertility and IVF. This could be an opportunity to learn about a new ally or try to convert the campaigner if they stand against pro-family policies. Even if they aren’t sure of their candidate’s stance, at the very least, it may help to raise awareness for RESOLVE’s mission and our goals. - Contact your state and federal lawmakers and request a local meeting.
Did you know that you can request a personal meeting with your lawmakers? These are known as lobby visits! A lobby visit is a meeting to chat with your elected representative to talk about a specific issue. And since Congress isn’t in session, they’re more likely to be available to meet with you in their local office.
The best way to request a meeting is by writing to and following up with the elected official and their appointment secretary. Be sure to suggest specific times and dates, what issue or specific bills you’d like to discuss, and that you are one of their constituents.
Know that these meetings tend to be very short and may be interrupted. If you can meet, be sure to arrive on time and have your talking points prepared. Don’t forget to thank them for their time and send a follow-up message. - Email your lawmakers.
If you can’t meet your lawmakers in person, why not send them an email? Your story has the power to create change. Share how their constituents need them to protect IVF, and increase access to care and family-building options. Make sure to mention relevant information such as if you’ve met before, what issues or bills you’d like to discuss, what action or decision you’d like them to make, evidence and references to back up your position, etc. And again, always thank them for their time! - Research if your state and federal lawmakers are up for re-election.
If your representatives aren’t representing your interests, it may be time to see who is running against them. Now’s a great time to research the candidates and see where they stand on issues related to IVF. - Sign up for the RESOLVE Advocacy Network.
When new legislation that can impact your family building options is on the horizon, we want to let you know! Sign up for the RESOLVE Advocacy Network to receive action alerts about important bills and policies and how you can help advocate for access to care for all families. You can also follow our State Legislation Map to stay in the know about what’s happening in your state. - Follow RESOLVE on social media.
Following RESOLVE is a great way to stay informed on all things related to infertility and advocacy for family-building options. Check out our accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, and be sure to like and reshare posts to help us build awareness of RESOLVE and our mission.
While these are all great ways to advocate for our cause, there are plenty of ways to support the family building community, such as donating to RESOLVE or volunteering. No matter your tie to infertility, you can make a difference for others and have your voice heard. And we at RESOLVE will be here to help you do that.
Learn more about RESOLVE and our dedication to improving the lives of people struggling to build their families at RESOLVE.org.
