Advocacy

Ice breaker…..while waiting for class to begin. What ways have

you advocated for health or health education?

Objectives Discuss the importance of

advocacy. Explain various types of advocacy

strategies. Apply advocacy strategies through

various case studies.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Meade

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Gandhi

How does politics effect health?

What do you think of when you hear the term “advocacy”?

What is advocacy? Actively working to change the social,

political, legal, economic, and medical environment

Derived from Latin word advocatus, which means “one who gives voice”

World Health Organization definition Any combination of individual and

social actions designed to gain political commitment, support, social acceptance, and systems support for a particular health goal or program.

Ways to Advocate Vote Write a letter Public testimony Lobby a legislator Market your programs success Media Form a coalition

Effective advocacy requires… Reasoned passion; Knowledge of politics; Knowledge of the practice of

advocacy; Knowledge of the issue; Skill in advocating your issue; Keen sense of timing; and Perseverance.

Knowledge of Politics - WHEN Timing is often an important

element in determining the success. Examples:

Legislative cycles Beginning/ending of semester Assessment periods *Window of opportunity

Processes to Influence Legislative Process

-Where laws are made Regulatory Process

-where rules are made-where laws are implement

Regulatory Activities Executive orders Laws Ordinances Polices Position Statements

Advocacy Levels Federal

-Legislators-Regulatory Bodies

State-Legislators-Regulatory Bodies (Department of Health)

Local-City Council-School Boards

Scenario #1 You are the newly hired program director for a

worksite wellness site of a major company. As a condition of employment, you are told that in order for your program to continue receiving funding you have one year to demonstrate that your program is beneficial. Although many people believe advocacy to solely be political how could you implement some of the advocacy strategies presented to further advance and maintain your program.

Scenario #2

As the tobacco educator for a local health department, you observe firsthand the impact tobacco has on your community. You are particularly concerned with an increase in cases of respiratory diseases and cancers associated with secondhand smoke exposure. At a community tobacco reduction coalition meeting you are approached to lead an effort to help implement a city-wide ban on smoking in public places. What advocacy strategies might be appropriate to ensure your success of implementing such an ordinance?

Scenario #3 As an injury prevention specialist for a local health

department, you observe firsthand the impact unintentional injury has on your community. You are particularly concerned with the number of injuries that youth incur from riding their bicycles. You have heard about other communities who have implemented a mandatory bicycle helmet ordinance and think implementing a similar piece of legislation may help reduce the number of youth hospital visits. What advocacy strategies might be appropriate to ensure your success of implementing such an ordinance?

Questions….