I've volunteered as a mentor for inner-city at-risk youth for 20 years and have always been passionate about issues concerning women and children. I first heard about MomsRising in 2006, when the organization started, and have been taking action online with the organization ever since.

So, when I was contacted by MomsRising to see if I could attend a meeting at my Congressional Representative's office about the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), I was nervous but sure I wanted to go. Although my previous experience had been signing petitions and participating in demonstrations, knowing that CHIP is such a vital program and understanding that its funding may be at risk made any anxiety I felt disappear. I was ready to take my activism to the next level.

CHIP has been a critical source of health insurance coverage for millions of American children. Few things matter more than good health in order to ensure a successful future for children. When their health needs are met, children are better able to learn in school and their parents miss fewer days of work to take care of them. Without having to worry about unexpected medical bills, families are more financially secure.

One of MomsRising's policy partners, Community Health Councils in Los Angeles, provided me with invaluable information to help me feel comfortable and prepared for our meeting with Congressman Ted Lieu. He seemed genuinely interested in what we had to say during the course of our twenty minutes with him, and listened intently. A father of two small children, whose portrait hangs behind his desk, the discussion was naturally sympathetic and stressed the fact that children's health is not a partisan issue. Congressman Lieu assured us that are our concerns regarding continued funding would be shared with his colleagues and a follow-up was scheduled with Community Health Councils.

The meeting went quite smoothly and was so much easier than I'd anticipated. I left the office feeling more empowered, knowing I made a very small difference by advocating for something I believe in. I strongly encourage other MomsRising members to contact their lawmakers in support of continued funding for CHIP. For more information about how you can take action visit: http://www.momsrising.org/blog/calling-all-childrens-health-supporters-simple-ways-you-can-show-your-support-for-chip