Leaders must hear us loud and clear:

We demand better for our children

Basic safety measures for children—vaccine access, food programs, and essential protections—are under threat. Special interests that ignore science are pushing policies that leave families to fend for themselves.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Elected and appointed leaders work for you, and they need to hear that your child’s health and safety are non-negotiable. Whether it’s vaccine access or school meals, let them know this is your top issue.

Tools to Advocate

Send a message to your representatives in seconds. Just text "resist" to 50409, and Resistbot will help you write and send a personalized letter to your elected officials via email, fax, or mail.

Easily look up your elected officials and their contact information through Common Cause. Enter your address to find your state and federal representatives so you can call, email, or send letters directly.

A nonpartisan tool to help you stay engaged in the democratic process. ActiVote makes it simple to look up your representatives, track elections, and stay informed on policy issues without partisan bias.

The National Governors Association (NGA) provides a directory of U.S. governors with their policies and contact details to help you advocate for public health initiatives.

Use the NACCHO directory to find your local health department and key public health officials for vaccine programs, community health services, and advocacy.

Script Ideas

Here are a few tips to help you craft an impactful message when reaching out to your elected officials:

1️⃣ Keep it to the point – Officials get a lot of messages, so make yours clear and concise.
2️⃣ Personalize it – Introduce yourself and why this matters to you (Are you a parent? A healthcare worker? A caregiver?).
3️⃣ Share your experience – If applicable, mention how this issue has directly impacted you or your community (e.g., as a teacher seeing rising illness rates, a parent of a vulnerable child, etc.).
4️⃣ End with a clear ask – Politely state what action you want them to take (e.g., reschedule vaccine meetings, strengthen public health funding, promote immunization efforts).
5️⃣ Follow up – If you don’t get a response, reach out again! Persistence can make a difference.

Your voice matters! Check out the sample scripts below to get started.

Script for Congressional Leaders

Subject: Urgent Action Needed to Prevent Vaccine Delays Amid Measles Outbreak

Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name],

As your constituent, I am deeply concerned about recent developments that could impact our children's health. The postponement of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting and the cancellation of the FDA's annual flu vaccine strain selection meeting raise significant concerns about potential delays in vaccine availability.​

Compounding this issue is the current measles outbreak in the United States, with 146 cases reported in Texas since late January, including the tragic death of an unvaccinated child—the first measles-related death in the U.S. since 2015. This outbreak underscores the critical importance of maintaining robust vaccination programs to protect public health.​theguardian.com+12Houston Chronicle+12Texas Health Services+12

I urge you to:

  • Advocate for the immediate rescheduling of these essential meetings to prevent any delays in vaccine approvals and distributions.

  • Ensure that health agencies like the CDC and FDA have the necessary support and resources to operate effectively and without interruption.

  • Promote public health initiatives that encourage vaccination and address vaccine hesitancy within our communities.

Our children's health is a critical issue and should remain a top priority.​

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, State]

Script for Governors & Local Officials

Subject: Ensuring Timely Access to Vaccines Amid Measles Outbreak

Dear Governor [Last Name],

As a concerned [parent/community member], I am writing to highlight urgent issues affecting our children's health. The postponement of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting and the cancellation of the FDA's annual flu vaccine strain selection meeting may lead to delays in vaccine availability.​

Simultaneously, our nation is experiencing a measles outbreak, with 146 cases reported in Texas since late January, including the tragic death of an unvaccinated child—the first measles-related death in the U.S. since 2015. This situation underscores the necessity of maintaining accessible and timely vaccination programs to protect public health.​Houston Chronicle+5en.wikipedia.org+5Houston Chronicle+5

I respectfully urge you to:

  • Coordinate with federal health agencies to expedite the rescheduling of these critical meetings to ensure uninterrupted vaccine approval processes.

  • Strengthen state-level public health initiatives that promote vaccination and address vaccine hesitancy within our communities.

  • Ensure that our state's health department is prepared to address any potential vaccine shortages or delays, particularly in light of the current measles outbreak.

Our children's health is a critical issue and should remain a top priority.​

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to safeguarding public health.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, State]