The reason that advocacy is so much embedded in the work of pediatrics is that children have little political voice of their own and rely on the proxy voice of others including pediatricians to speak out on their behalf. This voice is so important because of the overrepresentation of our children among the poor and underserved. It should be stated that the “shared voice” of pediatrics has been heard throughout our history—speaking on behalf of all children. As we proceed into the next millennium, it is proper to reflect on pediatrics’ past, our present, and future so that, as a profession, advocacy will continue to play a key role. At the turn of the century, there were about a half dozen practitioners devoted to the care of children. Today, the membership of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is >57 000 physicians. The role of advocacy in pediatrics dates back to the end of the 19th century when an epiphany within medicine crystallized the necessity that children deserved a cadre of professionals dedicated to their care. In addition, it was evident even then that an emphasis on advocacy and the protection of children would comprise a core aspect of the profession. In the United States, Dr Abraham Jacobi is considered the “Father of Pediatrics.” In 1859, he published his seminal text titled: Midwifery and Diseases of Women and Children. In addition, he was the first professor of pediatrics in America at New York Medical College, and in 1860 established the first free pediatric clinic in America.1 Dr Jacobi was one of the pediatric pioneers who understood the link between the environmental milieu children found themselves and the incidence of disease. His efforts characterized the beneficence of our profession. The emergence of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century led … Reprint requests to (C.N.O.) Department of Pediatrics University of Minnesota Medical School Maternal and Child Health Division of Epidemiology School of Public Health West Bank Office Building, 1300 Second St South—Ste 300, Minneapolis, MN 55455. E-mail: oberg001{at}umn.edu