As we kick off a new year and a new legislative session, Joyful Heart continues our work advocating for rape kit reform across the country. Ending the rape kit backlog is a tremendous goal, and we need advocates like you to help by supporting reform where you live.

Whether you are a novice advocate or a seasoned pro, you can make a difference. Here’s how to start advocating for rape kit reform in your community.

1. Learn the facts. Has your state or city enacted any of Joyful Heart’s six pillars of rape kit reform? Do officials know how many untested rape kits are in law enforcement storage? It’s important to know where your region stands before you begin advocating for reform. Use our interactive map to learn the latest information about the number of untested kits and any policies, whether in place or in progress, in your state.

You will also want to make sure you understand the reasons why rape kits go untested, why it’s important to test all kits, and other background information about the rape kit backlog and rape kit reform. Ending the backlog starts with educating yourself and others.

2. Do your research. Using a tool like Common Cause, learn who your state and local representatives are. From there, you’ll want to find out whether your elected officials have taken a position on rape kit reform, or on broader issues like criminal justice or gender equality. You should also learn who sponsored or supported any existing bills on rape kit reform.

3. Reach out strategically. Part of a lawmaker’s job is to listen to the needs and requests of their constituents. You can make a difference by contacting your representatives, identifying yourself by your name and zip code, and making a specific request of your legislator, such as supporting a rape kit reform bill. At endthebacklog.org, you can fill out a form that contains language to use when emailing or calling your representative if you need help deciding what to say. You can personalize your message using the suggested text to share why rape kit reform is important to you.

4. Follow up. Once you have reached out to your elected officials, stay in touch! If you sent personalized emails or made any phone calls, reach out again to make sure your officials received your message.

It may also help to stay informed about how your representatives are taking action on other issues. Follow your elected officials on social media to keep up with any new legislation they introduce or support. You may even want to set Google news alerts for your local officials so you’re the first to know when news breaks.

5. Engage with your community. Even after you have made phone calls, you can continue to advocate for reform by getting your local community involved. Look out for public hearings, city council meetings, press conferences, and other opportunities to engage with your fellow citizens. You can also use community events to meet like-minded advocates, teach them about the rape kit backlog, and encourage them to take action toward reform; for example, host a screening of I AM EVIDENCE as a way to inform and engage your peers.

Finally, remember that we have resources available to help you in your journey as an advocate.

Visit endthebacklog.org to learn more about our work and how you can help.