Join NCUIH in Urgent Opposition to Budget Cuts for Indian Country and the Federal Shutdown: A Social Media Toolkit

Category: Policy Blog
written by NCUIH | September 25, 2023

We are facing a looming government shutdown, and it’s imperative that we come together to raise awareness and demand action from policymakers. As a valued member of the Urban Indian Health community, your voice and support are critical in advocating for the protection of Native healthcare funding during this challenging time.

To make it easier for you to join this advocacy effort, we have prepared a social media toolkit. This toolkit includes a set of resources and guidelines that you can use to effectively communicate the urgency of this issue and mobilize support from your network.

Protect Indian Country: A NCUIH Call to Action

What’s Included in the Toolkit:
  • Pre-Written Social Media Posts
  • “Protect Indian Country” Graphic [Download Here]
  • Hashtags and Handles
  • Action Steps.
How to Use the Toolkit:
  • Select the pre-written social media posts that resonate with your organization’s message and values. Customize them to make them your own.
  • Incorporate “Protect Indian Country” graphics into your social media posts to increase engagement.
  • Use the provided hashtags and handles to connect with a broader audience.
  • Encourage your followers to take action by contacting their Members of Congress and sharing your posts.
  • Share the toolkit with your stakeholders, partners, and colleagues to amplify our collective efforts.
Taking Action:

We urge you to start posting on your social media channels immediately, sharing information about the government shutdown and the potential consequences for Native health care funding. Together, we can raise awareness and advocate for a swift resolution that protects our vital programs.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the urban Indian health community. Your advocacy can make a real difference in ensuring that Native health care remains a top priority.

If you have any questions or need further assistance with the toolkit, please feel free to reach out to policy@ncuih.org.

Identify Your Congressional Representation:

  • Find your Members of Congress Here
  • Enter your zip code or address to determine who your senators and representatives are.
Use Social Media Platforms:
  • Go to your preferred social media platform
  • In the platform’s search bar, type the name of your senator or representative.
  • Look for accounts with official verification badges (blue checkmarks) next to their names, indicating that they are official accounts.
Together, we will continue to protect the health and well-being of our communities.

X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook Posts:

  1. Post:
    • Content: 🚨 Urgent Action Needed! 🚨 Congress must protect Native programs from budget cuts. Stand with us to oppose the looming government shutdown. #ProtectIndianCountry #OpposeShutdown
  2. Post:
    • Content: 📢 We’re joining forces with @NCUIH_Official, @NCAI1944, @NIHB1, and other Native organizations to oppose any funding reductions for Indian Country programs. Let Congress know that #NativeLivesMatter. #NoBudgetCuts #StandWithUs
    • Additional Organizations to Tag:
      • @NDNrights
      • @WereNIEA
      • @NCUIH_Official
      • @TribalGovWorks
      • @NIHB1
      • @naihc_national
      • @NCAI1944
  3. Post:
    • Content: ⚠️ Congress, don’t gamble with Native lives! ⚠️ With a government shutdown looming, we urge you to protect the Indian Health Service and Tribal programs. Fulfill your trust responsibility! #GovernmentShutdown #ProtectIHS #StandTogether
  4. Post:
  5. Post:
    • Content: 🏛️ Democracy needs your voice! 🏛️ Tweet, call, or email your Members of Congress. Together, we can protect the Indian Health Service and Tribal programs. Don’t let Native lives be at risk! #ProtectOurPeople #AdvocateNow
    • Post (Tweet) 2: Find Your Member of Congress Here: https://www.congress.gov/members?q=%7B%22congress%22%3A118%7D

Email Content:

📣 Urgent Call to Action: Protect Indian Country’s Health Care Funding! 🏥

Dear Friends and Advocates,

We are at a critical juncture, and we need your voice to ensure the well-being of Native communities. As the threat of a government shutdown looms, Indian Country faces the risk of funding cuts that could have devastating consequences for health care programs.

📢 It’s time to take action! 📢

💡 Click the link below to find your Members of Congress and reach out to them NOW.

👉Find Your Member of Congress

Urge them to: ✅ Avoid a government shutdown. ✅ Protect the Indian Health Service (IHS) and all Tribal programs from funding cuts. ✅ Support Indian Country in budget negotiations.

Every call, every email, and every message counts. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that critical health care services continue to reach those who need them most.

Let’s stand together for Native health care! 🤝

#ProtectNativeHealth #GovernmentShutdown #Advocacy #IndianCountry #HealthCareFunding