From sexuality education in public schools to public policy regarding reproductive health care in the U.S. to government involvement in other parts of the world, our elected representatives influence many issues addressed in this book.  As Americans, we have the right to vote; if you want to use your voice, educate yourself about candidates’ positions on these issues—and vote!

Americans also have the opportunity to communicate with our elected representatives.  Maintaining ongoing communication with our representatives—from our local school board members to our state and federal representatives—helps ensure that they are aware of what their constituents want.

If you would like to use your voice to influence policy makers regarding these issues, there are organizations that can help you by keeping you informed and by alerting you when important legislation is being considered.   You can sign up online to receive updates and/or ‘action alerts’ from these organizations and most—if not all—are free.  Donations are always appreciated.  Some will send you regular updates, others will alert you about specific upcoming legislation and you can decide whether or not you wish to take action on each alert.

• Regarding working to reduce teen and unplanned pregnancy, The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy: https://thenationalcampaign.org/connect
• Regarding comprehensive sexuality education, Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS): http://www.siecus.org
• Regarding research and policy to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights in the U.S. and globally, The Guttmacher Institute: https://www.guttmacher.org
• Regarding working towards a society in which everyone has the freedom and ability to control their reproductive and sexual lives, including pushing back against restrictions on abortion and contraception, The National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH): https://www.nirhealth.org/stay-updated/
• Regarding reproductive freedom, including birth control and abortion rights, NARAL Pro-Choice America: http://actnow.prochoiceamerica.org/signup/email_signup/?source=webnav#.WYJCa8aZNxg
• Regarding reproductive rights on a state, national, or global level, Planned Parenthood Action Fund: https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/local/national
• Regarding advocating for a more positive and realistic approach to helping young people (ages 14-25) in the U.S. and around the globe make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health, Advocates for Youth:  http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/policy-and-advocacy/take-action-for-change
• Regarding equal rights to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, LGBTQ Task Force:  http://www.thetaskforce.org/category/news/
• Regarding supportive policies to make lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students feel safer in school, and working on
  issues including reducing bullying and discrimination: GLSEN UP, http://cqrcengage.com/glsen/?0.
• Regarding staying informed about and advocating for evidenced-based policy changes that will lead to lasting improvements in reproductive health care services in the U.S. and globally, EngenderHealth:  https://www.engenderhealth.org/do/connect/index.php