Sign me up for updates. Sign up now × MENU DONATE TAKE ACTION OUR IMPACT OUR MISSION × OUR FOCUS × OUR WORK VOLUNTEERING PUBLIC POLICY GIVING DISASTER RECOVERY STORIES × FEATURED PROGRAMS × FOR NONPROFITS PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY Join the cause. Make your voice heard. Create real change. Policy change can be big or small. It can be petitioning your school board to require healthier cafeteria meals. It can be urging your government to invest more in schools, or make child tax credits permanent, or make more children eligible for health insurance. Or it can be mobilizing your friends to speak out on a critical cause, in person or online. United Way galvanizes people to speak out for change. We're amplifying individuals’ voices on important community issues. As the largest privately-funded nonprofit in the world, we provide a platform for people to take meaningful action that makes a difference. United Way's Public Policy and Advocacy Work United Way’s Policy Agenda for the United States 117th Congress helps fulfill our obligation to assist policy-makers in crafting the best possible governmental policies in the areas of health, education, and financial stability, while also tackling important policies that strengthen communities at-large. Review our policy priorities to advance the fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. LOOK UP YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Enter your ZIP code and address below to get a directory of your elected officials. Double click on each officials’ name to bring up their contact information and other details. You may also select officials and compose a personalized message to them. Public Policy and Advocacy Blogs Voting Creates Stronger, More Equitable Communities Supporting VITA Supports Families In COVID-19 Fulfilling The Promise of Democracy Means Achieving Gender Equity Why I Advocate See all public policy and advocacy blogs United Way’s COVID-19 Advocacy Response United Way Worldwide has been advocating for comprehensive support for the nonprofit sector and the communities across the U.S. in federal coronavirus relief legislation. Thousands of United Way advocates raised their voices through e-mails, calls, and tweets at the end of March in support of nonprofits on the frontlines of the pandemic and children, workers, and families. Congress listened! The Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act each included major wins for United Way’s priorities. This legislation supports millions of families and communities through nutrition supports, paid sick leave, health care coverage for necessary COVID-19 testing, expanded unemployment benefits, increased funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, relief to small businesses, incentives to encourage charitable giving to local solutions, and much more. Read our blog for more details. But the fight is not finished. United Way Worldwide and individuals across the country are continuing to advocate to shore up programs-- like 211, increased Medicaid funding for states, an expanded Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, increased monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and much more -- that enable access to services and build financial stability. 460 United Way CEOs from all 50 states and the District of Columbia sent a letter to Congress urging them to prioritize investments in policies and community supports that help unemployed workers manage financially, provide a safety net for our most vulnerable populations, ease the financial burden of employers, and help families unable to maintain proper childcare as schools shut down. Read the letter here. {cta_1} Success Stories Affordable Housing in Rhode Island Improving Reading and Writing in Colombia Pre-K for Low-Income Families in Indiana Tackling Poverty in Canada An Innovative Approach to Early Education in Utah Sign up and take action. JOIN US About Our History Our Mission Diversity & Inclusion Our Leadership Public Reporting Media Library Blog Contact Us Frequently Asked Questions Privacy Policy Careers Working at United Way Shop Social Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to our Blog " " " "" " We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies. OK, GOT IT GIVE ME MORE INFO