Take Action Today With Just a Few Clicks
It can be hard to know how we can individually make a difference in our community, but there are steps we can take. One great way to advocate for policy change is to contact your local legislators.
Where Do I Start?
Click here to find your local state legislator's contact information.
- Your legislator will have their phone number and email listed
- We have ready-made templates that you may use to either make a phone call or send an email
Locate different issues labeled in orange
- Personalize your message by inserting your name, address, and any words of your own explaining why you support the bill
Healthcare Access for Unaccompanied Minors
Customizable Template:
Dear [Representative/Senator],
My name is [First and Last Name], and I am a constituent who lives in [Address]. I am writing to you today to urge your immediate support of Senate Bill 70. In Wisconsin, youth under the age of 18, who are not in the custody of a parent or guardian, are not permitted by law to consent to their own healthcare. This bill would allow verified unaccompanied minors and youth experiencing homelessness aged 14 to 17 years old to consent to and receive healthcare. On average, youth experiencing homelessness visit the hospital more than other children in Brown County (HMIS – CIS Data Integration Project). Although this gap clearly exists, we still do not have equal access to healthcare for youth experiencing homelessness in Wisconsin. This legislation must be passed as soon as possible so that the young people of our community are given access to adequate mental and physical healthcare.
Thank you for your time,
[Signature]
Phone Call
Customizable Script:
Hello, my name is [First and Last Name], and I’m a constituent from [Address]. I’m calling to urge your support of Senate Bill 70 to ensure that every unaccompanied minor in Wisconsin has access to the healthcare that they require. Healthcare is a human right, and I believe this bill supports and protects unaccompanied youth and youth facing homelessness in Wisconsin by allowing them to consent to their own healthcare.
Safe Harbor Protections for Trafficked and Exploited Minors
Customizable Template:
Dear [Representative/Senator],
My name is [First and Last Name], and I am a constituent who lives in [Address]. I am writing to you today to urge your immediate support of Senate Bill 73. In Wisconsin, minor children who cannot legally consent to having sex can be charged with prostitution. This not only puts victims at risk of being prosecuted, but it also causes distrust in the legal system, which could discourage them from seeking supportive services for the trauma they’ve experienced and prevent them from taking legal action against their abusers. Under Senate Bill 73, a minor under the age of 18 may not be prosecuted or adjudicated delinquent for prostitution. Youth who have experienced the trauma of being trafficked or exploited should not have to worry about consequent charges on their record, which could affect their ability to find housing, employment, and education opportunities in the future. This legislation must be passed as soon as possible to ensure no victims of sex trafficking or exploitation are prosecuted for crimes that by law, they could not have consented to.
Thank you for your time,
[Signature]
Phone Call
Customizable Script:
Hello, my name is [First and Last Name], and I’m a constituent from [Address]. I’m calling to urge your support of Senate Bill 73 to ensure no trafficked or exploited minor can be charged with prostitution in Wisconsin. I don’t believe that minor children, who cannot legally consent to having sex, should have to fear being charged with prostitution. This bill would protect minors who have been exploited or trafficked for sex in Wisconsin, and it is necessary to ensure the safety of these victims.
Parental Consent Window for Homeless Youth Services
Customizable Template:
Phone Call
Customizable Script:
