The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42396

Augusta M Villanueva, PhD, School of Public Health, MCP Hahnemann School of Public Health, MS 660, 1505 Race Street, 11th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 215 762 6513, av28@drexel.edu and Linda Lloyd, PhD, School of Public Health, MCP Hahnemann University, MS 660 1505 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

The principles of organizing in communities have been historically linked to grass-roots agencies committed to addressing health and social problems in the U.S. Less so has been the teaching and application of these principles in training public health students committed to community health. This paper assesses the implementation of training developed at MCPH Hahnemann University’s School of Public Health consisting of six 3-hour workshops on community organizing and Service-Learning principles. These workshops educate students about the relevance and role that community and personal empowerment can provide in preparing them to work with and in neighborhoods often different from their own. Community empowerment is premised on the belief that participation and collaboration of those affected and concerned about local problems is fundamental to creating indigenous solutions. As an introduction, a primer on Service-Learning in the U.S. is provided. This is followed by workshops developed from extant resources in the community empowerment literature that educate students about: 1) their role as community health practitioners; 2) principles and strategies in community organizing; 3) understanding and acknowledging differences cross-culturally; 4) dealing with conflict; 5) conflict resolution within group dynamics; and 6) conflict and collaboration. Community organizing principles are woven across workshops while students engage interactively, role-play, and construct vignettes replicating community scenarios. Workshops overlap curriculum devoted to behavioral assessment and community assessment respectively. Upon their completion, students transition into a 4-week, full-time practicum driven by local needs identified in collaboration with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and community-based organizations committed to public health.

Learning Objectives:

• Provide a framework for understanding the relevance and application of community organizing principles to public health practice and community health;
• Review the role of listening, dialogue, and reflection skills in preparing for meaningful community health collaborations; and
• Discuss application of community organizing principles and practices, including different types of organizing strategies, to public health practice and community health.

Keywords: Public Health Curriculum, Community Participation

Related Web page: www.mcphu.edu/pubhealth/phmain.html

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: MCP Hahnemann University's School of Public Health
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.