Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117544

David Ginsburg, MPH¹, Matthew Marsom¹, Jackie Richardson, RD, MBA¹, Christine Dresslar Moss², Bonnie Broderick, MPH, RD³, and Mike Miller⁴. (1) Cancer Prevention and Nutrition Section, California Department of Health Services, 1616 Capitol Avenue, Suite 74.516, P.O. Box 942732, MS 7204, Sacramento, CA 94234, (916) 449-5431, mmarsom@dhs.ca.gov, (2) Monterey County Health Department, 1200 Aguajito Road, Suite 103, Monterey, CA 93940, (3) Public Health Department, Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System, 976 Lenzen Ave., San Jose, CA 95126, (4) Brown Miller Communications, 1114 Jones Street, Martinez, CA 94553

Abstract Collaboratives composed of diverse organizations working towards a common goal are powerful forces for mobilizing communities and creating support for policy level changes. In 2002, the California Nutrition Network supported the development of eleven regional collaboratives, fostering interest and support for common issues and facilitating the development of strategies to address specific policy priorities in the areas of obesity, physical inactivity and food security.

During the course of the first two years of development, over 300 organizations participated in the regional collaborative process, composed equally of Network-funded contractors and non-funded community organizations. Each collaborative used their respective policy priorities to develop a unique approach for advocating for change.

The panel, including collaborative leaders and state support staff will demonstrate how regional policy agendas can be advanced using tools such as policy issue briefs, community forums and media advocacy campaigns. Lessons learned, key accomplishments, turning points, and evaluation measures will be emphasized in that discussion. Finally, panelists will outline their success in attracting the support of local and stats level policy makers to actualize community driven change for healthful eating and active living.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Identify the value of regional collaboration to promote local policy change
• Describe three methods that collaboratives can use to garner media support and legislative interest for their established policy platforms 3.Apply the lessons learned and evaluation results of the Network collaboratives to partnerships in their own communities to promote better working relations and collaborative successes

Keywords: Collaboration, Advocacy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation