Being an effective advocate means knowing where and when to exert your influence. These tips explain how you can do "issue advocacy" in an election season and also offer critical information for your advocacy efforts in Congress.

For recent tip updates, see the latest health action conference tool kit resources. 

Influencing Congress

• Nonprofits and Elections
• The Telephone Call
• Email and the Internet
• The Letter
• Visiting Legislators in Their Home Districts

Expanding Your Influence

• Contacting Others
• Signing Up
• How to Get Copies of Bills and Committee Reports
• How a Bill Becomes a Law

Influencing the White House

• Communicating with the White House

Other Tips

• Top 10 Things Congressional Staff Hate to Hear
• Producing Effective Written Materials
• Calling Talk Radio 
• ImPRESSives Media Tip Sheets
• Health Action Newsletters
• Glossary of Media Terms