18 ways to get involved in 2018

It’s that time of year when we look back on the previous year and make resolutions. Common resolutions are to eat healthier, exercise more and focus on our health; but the American Heart Association had another idea.

What if the You’re the Cure advocates (who are already amazing) came together and made a resolution to become even better? To kick off 2018 with a bang we’ve created a “New Year’s Checklist” of 18 key actions You’re the Cure advocates can take to help us achieve our goals. Some of the items on the checklist literally take only a few seconds to accomplish but can have major impacts on local and federal AHA initiatives. The American Heart and Stroke Association is only as strong as its advocates are engaged so please start the new year off right by checking every box and become an advocacy all-star!

Here are 18 resolutions for 2018 to get involved in advocating for heart and stroke policies that will positively impact your community;

• Login to yourethecure.org and update your contact information. Then tell us what issues matter most to you to receive updates on what’s happening in your state and community. Once you’re logged in, simply click “edit my profile” in the top right of the screen.
• Sign up for You’re the Cure text alerts. Text CURE to 46839 to receive federal, state and local updates on heart and stroke issues.
• Stay up to date on the American Heart Association’s policy priorities by following us on Twitter (@AmHeartAdvocacy) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/yourethecure/).
• Contact your lawmakers! Call, email, tweet or contact them on Facebook. Communicating with your member of Congress will make a big impact, so visit the You’re the Cure action center today to make your voice heard.
• Once you’ve taken an action, share why it’s important to you with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter. Then encourage them to contact their lawmakers too!
• Encourage your friends and family to join You’re the Cure.
• Read the inspiring stories of other advocates, then share your own heart, stroke, or access to care story with the us.
• Schedule a meeting with your US Representative during the Presidents day recess (2/17-2/25). This is when your Representative will be home in the district and it’s your best chance to speak directly to your elected officials. You can find out who your Members of Congress are and where they have district offices here: Find my Lawmakers. 
• Share your personal story with your lawmaker. These personal stories can have a big impact on legislative staff who read them and are far more likely to be brought directly to your lawmaker.
• Get to know your state AHA staff! They can help connect you with local officials and lawmakers, so you can have a direct impact on state and local heart and stroke issues in your community.
• Help save lives from heart disease and stroke. Donate to the American Heart Association today!
• Participate in National Wear Red Day® on February 2nd! Cardiovascular disease kills approximately one woman every 80 seconds in the U.S. Wear read to advocate for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health.
• Participate in a local Heart Walk or the many other volunteer opportunities at the AHA.
• Sign up for a CPR training.
• Visit the heart.org shop to buy some AHA swag.
• Sign up for your members of Congress’ newsletters.
• Follow your member of Congress’ Facebook and Twitter pages.
• Last and most importantly, stay active, healthy and remember that “You’re the Cure!”