How can you, as an ordinary person, help end female genital cutting?

We hear a lot of sayings about creating change. “You can make a difference” is a common phrase used to inspire people to become more engaged in the world around them. But that phrase isn’t always helpful. How do people actually make a difference?

Most Americans rely on their elected officials to fulfill their promises to create change structurally in order to better our country. However, most Americans aren’t consistent voters. This makes it difficult to voice opinions through elected officials who may not be the best suited to represent their constituents. Therefore, it is important to not only become a voter but to be fully politically engaged.

A few months ago, I attended a webinar hosted by API-GBV on advocacy and issues education, and I’ll be sharing what I learned from the session. One thing I learned for sure from the webinar is that, if you want to create visible changes on issues you care about, such as addressing female genital cutting (FGC) then you need to take action yourself.

Here are some practical ways you can get involved politically in the movement to end FGC:

1. Contact your Elected Officials

First, figure out who your local and state elected officials are, and what they stand for in terms of health, women’s rights, children’s rights, safety from violence, and other related topics. This website is a great place to start. Also, check this map to see if your state has laws against FGC.

Next, consider all the possible opportunities that you may have to speak with your representative, this may include: town halls, civic activities, program tours, meet and greets, and congressional visits. Decide which one is best for your education and advocacy purposes.

2. Schedule a Meeting

You can also schedule an in-person meeting with your representative. The process for setting up a meeting is slightly different depending on whether you are contacting a federal, state, or local level official:

For your federal officials, you can check their schedule on senate.gov or the house.gov websites.
After that, call and set up a meeting with your representative. The Capitol building's phone number is 202-224-3121.
Tell whoever is scheduling the meeting the following: “I am a constituent and would like to set up a meeting with my representative.”
For contacting state or local officials, start with your state or town’s legislature’s website. They should also have a calendar and a point of contact for specific representatives.

A few of the good days for setting up meetings are on Mondays and Fridays during the legislative recess, but be sure to also check the legislative calendar for additional availability such as non-voting days, days when committees aren’t meeting, or office hours.

3. Know Your Talking Points:

When preparing for your one-on-one meeting, keep in mind a few key points:

First, focus on the key message that best supports your position. End FGM Network, the Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C, and the Washington Coalition to End FGM/C all have a plethora of resources you can reference when it comes to discussing FGC. Make a specific request, such as supporting or introducing legislation against FGC.
An effective method to convey your message is by giving testimony. Testimonies, such as this one from the Washington Senate Hearing at the 54 minute mark, will help to humanize the issues that you are advocating for. A recording of a testimony is a video of someone giving a formal statement or providing evidence during an official government hearing. If there's a specific bill being considered, you can submit written testimony to the relevant committee.
You could also highlight any organizations that offer program activities relevant to your cause. Bringing written materials can also be very helpful in reinforcing your message; make sure to bring extra handouts to leave behind with the representative.
Most importantly, do your homework on government officials beforehand. Share personal stories to make your issue more relatable and make a specific request of your representative. This might be the first time your representative has ever heard of FGC. Note any programs in your state that help with advocacy or supporting survivors, and what further support is needed.
If you are uncomfortable sharing personal stories connected to FGC and those who you know are connected to it, the Voices to End FGM/C website is a great resource for showcasing how FGC impacts individuals globally. The power of storytelling in helping survivors heal and educate people on FGC is a vital tool in legislative advocacy. These stories help explain to legislators that FGC is impacting their constituents in their districts.
Finally, leave time for questions and be sure to say thank you at the end of the meeting. Avoid guessing about information if you’re unsure. If you don’t know something, let them know you can follow-up with additional information addressing the question. Overall, stay on point as these meetings tend to be short.

4. Ensuring continuous engagement and support

Once you’ve had a successful meeting, remember to send a thank you note and follow up. By presenting yourself as a resource or point of knowledge on FGC, it will be easier for lawmakers and their staff to work with you.

Throughout this entire process, you should monitor developments related to the issue and continue to communicate and advocate through other channels such as social media, public events, and other types of community gatherings.
By spreading your message, you can garner more support from your community and engage stakeholders.

Creating change may seem daunting at first, however, my main takeaway from the webinar is that advocacy becomes much more manageable once you develop a game plan and take that first step. Remember, don't underestimate the power of one voice. While addressing the issue of FGC in the United States is complex, your individual efforts can make a significant impact. Whether it is contacting your representatives, raising awareness in your community, or supporting organizations working to end FGC, every action counts.

The journey of advocacy may be challenging, but it's also rewarding. So, create your plan, gather your courage, and use your voice in any way to advocate for ending FGC in the United States. Your involvement could be the catalyst for truly meaningful change.