About 2020 National Advocate of the Year Award

The National Advocate of the Year Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments related to advocacy and outreach to Members of the United States Congress to better health policy outcomes in the calendar year 2019.

Various elements affect policymaking decisions, and successful advocacy is not measured solely on the passage of a new law or funding level. Instead, a successful advocate is one who develops a meaningful relationship with a lawmaker and their staff and becomes a trusted messenger and resource in public health matters. Lawmakers are not necessarily experts in public health policy, and they rely on their constituents, including local health officials, to educate them on important health policy and fiscal matters. These relationships are key to informing their policy positions and their votes.

The deadline to submit applications is May 10, 2020 at 11:59 PST.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants are any local health department staff. Applicants are asked to provide a detailed yet concise description (1,000 words maximum) of their advocacy work to address public health issues at the federal level. NACCHO members may nominate another NACCHO member or themselves. Winning applications should include at least one of the following:

I. Virtual Activities

• Wrote and sent a personalized letter to a Member of Congress
• Talked with Congressional staff by phone 
• Tweeted at a Member of Congress
• Wrote an op-ed in a local or national publication promoting the work of public health
• Sent a NACCHO-prepared email to a Member of Congress
• Posted on a Member of Congress’ Facebook wall

II. Meeting Activities

• Met with a Member of Congress and/or Congressional staff at their Washington, D.C. or district office

III. Host Activities

• Hosted a Member of Congress and/or Congressional staff at a health department event, such as health fairs, preparedness exercises, etc.
• Met with one or more Members of Congress and/or Congressional staff at your health department

Eligibility