Introducing The Defender’s Advocacy Coverage to Inform, Engage and Empower the CHD Community
Children’s Health Defense (CHD) has added two advocacy liaisons to its team. Stephanie Locricchio and Aimee Villella McBride will inform, engage and empower the CHD community by reporting on local, state and federal grassroots advocacy initiatives.
Locricchio’s advocacy journey began three years ago when she relocated from New York to New Jersey in search of the freedom to make decisions about her family’s health as New York moved toward eliminating religious exemptions for vaccines.
Not long after uprooting her family, Locricchio found herself rallying her community to oppose proposed legislation to remove the religious exemption in New Jersey.
“I was new to this work,” Locricchio said. “But I realized that imperfect action was better than no action at all. So I began using my voice to inspire, educate and empower others to get involved in this important conversation.”
Locricchio soon connected with like-minded people who had years of experience in grassroots advocacy work, partnering with Urban Global Health Alliance, Innovative Parenting and Millions Against Medical Mandates to raise awareness.
“I learned quickly that the key to success isn’t necessarily knowing it all, it’s courage and consistent daily action,” Locricchio said.
McBride immersed herself in advocacy and state politics out of a deep-rooted passion for medical freedom, and also out of necessity. Shortly after witnessing the removal of vaccine exemption in California in 2015, McBride began networking with people in New York who wanted to preserve parental rights and fundamental liberties. She realized what happened in California could easily happen in New York — and it did.
Together with seasoned advocates who already had many years of experience in the medical freedom movement, McBride helped establish New York Alliance for Vaccine Rights, a grassroots advocacy organization focused on educating others and inspiring action to preserve and protect medical freedom.
“I am honored to know and fight side-by-side with some of the most determined, intelligent, passionate and kind-hearted advocates who share their common goal of creating a better world, especially for children and future generations” McBride said.
McBride used her marketing experience to support the alliance’s mission and communicate updates on legislative activity, key events, campaigns and calls-to-action.
The alliance provided workshops and events throughout New York. Between in-person meetings, online organization and outreach, alliance members engaged tens of thousands of people in key legislative battles.
Speaking on behalf of Children’s Health Defense, Executive Director Laura Bono said:
“Our army is growing, and we are excited to encourage more warriors to lend their voices to this very important cause. In order to be a voice for our children and for future generations, it’s imperative that we have people like Stephanie and Aimee building strong relationships with local elected officials, and helping fellow health freedom advocates do the same.”
Locricchio and McBride said it’s not necessary to be a seasoned advocate to make a difference. They offered these three easy steps to get started in your community:
- Know your representatives. Constituents in every state are represented by local, state and federal officials. You can find your local, state and elected officials by going to this website and entering your mailing address.
- Make yourself known. Find and follow your local, state and federal elected officials on all your social media channels. Twitter is a powerful way to reach legislators in real-time. Make an appointment to meet face-to-face with elected officials to build a relationship and communicate your concerns. Attend local events, town halls and fundraisers. Vote with your wallet by donating to candidates who share your viewpoints and support your freedom.
- Track bills that matter. Familiarize yourself with your state legislative website and track bills that interest and impact you. Sign up for alerts to be notified if an action is taken on the bills. Be prepared to sign petitions, make phone calls and even attend your state capital for hearings when bills begin to move or be heard.
Locricchio and McBride said they believe “the heart of an advocate” is one of service and purpose. “Advocacy is a calling, a labor of love. You don’t choose the issue, the issue chooses you,” Locricchio said.
McBride added: “This calling changes everything — who you are, who you surround yourself with and the direction your life takes.”
Visit the community section of The Defender to follow Children’s Health Defense advocacy efforts.
The post Introducing The Defender’s Advocacy Coverage to Inform, Engage and Empower the CHD Community appeared first on Children's Health Defense.
© 12 Apr 2021 Children’s Health Defense, Inc. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of Children’s Health Defense, Inc. Want to learn more from Children’s Health Defense? Sign up for free news and updates from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the Children’s Health Defense. Your donation will help to support us in our efforts.
