
Start your vaccine advocacy by creating or reigniting relationships with your members of Congress.
During our recent webinar, Shot@Life advocates heard from experts Peter Yeo, UN Foundation Senior Vice President and President of the Better World Campaign; Brian Massa, Shot@Life Global Health Advocacy Director; and Bridget Dotson, New Member Outreach Associate at the UN Foundation. They answered questions on how to best build and support relationships with congressional offices in preparation for Shot@Life’s 2023 Summit Hill Day and Advocate to Vaccinate advocacy push later this spring.
Pictured: UN Foundation advocacy experts Bridget Dotson and Brian Massa
During the webinar, Peter Yeo highlighted the positive impacts of establishing relationships between constituents and Congress when it comes to funding global health programs, including childhood vaccines. This spring brings a range of new opportunities to build relationships with newly elected members of Congress and members who are new to constituents following re-districting.
Building relationships can start with small actions, such as an email or tweet. You can then request meetings with your policymakers. By cultivating these relationships, you become a trusted voice for childhood vaccines.
Quote from Brian Massa, Global Health Advocacy Director
The fireside chat with Brian Massa and Bridget Dodson was moderated by a longtime champion, Katie Lesser, MPH, Student Services Assistant at Cornell University Public Health. Topics included how to take the first steps to get to know your member, different approaches to engagement, and methods to maintaining connection throughout the year.
They offered the following tips for advocates:
To hear the full conversation, watch “Expert Advice on Establishing Relationships with New Members of Congress” on YouTube. When building relationships with members of Congress is an arc requiring persistence, communication, and politeness as the connection evolves over time.
Interested in becoming an advocate with Shot@Life?
Sign up for a training here, and read more about how to advocate here.
Have additional question? Email champions@shotatlife.org