Audience
Welcome to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Advocacy Guide. This guide was designed as a resource to make it easier for you to advocate on behalf of children and pediatricians. Advocacy is a priority for the AAP because it provides a way to move beyond individual solutions to create and be part of broader systemic change. In fact, advocacy is one of the top reasons pediatricians join the AAP. Through advocacy, pediatricians and resident physicians such as you can help change community norms and public policy to protect children’s health and well-being. Whether you are just beginning or you are a seasoned advocate, this guide is designed for you.
This guide will provide you with tips, tools, and real-life examples from other pediatricians regarding how to use your voice to create positive and lasting change on behalf of children’s health and well-being. Advocacy can happen in many different ways, in various settings, and at multiple levels. By engaging in advocacy, you are joining a growing number of pediatricians and pediatric residents who are motivated to act on behalf of children’s health and well-being in the broader community and public policy arena.