Advocacy, Outreach, and Awareness Program
Making Change Together
For chapters leaders, parents, students and other change agent
A central mission for our national coalition with our dedicated state and local chapters is to champion effective local, state, and national policies promoting sleep-friendly school schedules, while simultaneously building coalitions and strong public awareness to support these crucial changes. We are committed to providing the guidance and resources necessary to navigate this vital process!
We are proud to say that our efforts have resulted in healthier school start times for millions of children nationwide and around the world, and the introduction of related legislation in at least 28 U.S. states and territories, 13 of them signed into law.
Our cause has garnered significant attention from local, national, and international media outlets, resulting in the publication of hundreds of stories every year.
“I’ve been waiting 20 years for this! Thank you for helping it finally happen. My grandson will be a 9th grader next fall and later start times will make his high school years so much better.”
We are proud to say that our efforts have resulted in healthier school start times for millions of children nationwide and around the world, and the introduction of related legislation in at least 28 U.S. states and territories, 13 of them signed into law.
Our cause has garnered significant attention from local, national, and international media outlets, resulting in the publication of hundreds of stories every year.
“I’ve been waiting 20 years for this! Thank you for helping it finally happen. My grandson will be a 9th grader next fall and later start times will make his high school years so much better.”
How we work
We spearhead advocacy and awareness efforts in local communities as well as state and national decision makers by attending and speaking at school, community, and government meetings, forums, and conferences, developing resources for advocates, and building relationships with policymakers, thought leaders, and other organizations.
We support media coverage of issues related to adolescent sleep health and school start times and raise awareness through our own social media and educational materials.
We support media coverage of issues related to adolescent sleep health and school start times and raise awareness through our own social media and educational materials.
Support to State and Local Advocates
We provide crucial support to our volunteer-led chapters in the USA and around the world by developing and distributing advocacy toolkits and communication templates they can use to spearhead policy changes in their communities whether at the local school level or through state legislatures and agencies. We also develop materials and opportunities to help our dedicated chapters and other community advocates engage with and influence school policymakers and elected officials; develop and mobilize grassroots support; and raise community awareness.
National Outreach and Advocacy
We build relationships with national policymakers, coalition partners, and influencers that can benefit state and local advocacy efforts, including working with government agencies and elected officials to raise awareness and inform policy. Some of the national advocacy events we regularly attend include:
- Annual Sleep Advocacy Hill Day with Project Sleep and Sleep Research Society
- AASM Hill Day on Capitol Hill to advocate for federal legislation and policies that support sleep health.
Connect with Us
Need help determining your advocacy and awareness initiatives? Contact us to learn more. Sign up for our e-newsletter for the latest news and updates.