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

Abstract #119485

Carl D. Baker, MA¹, Brian K. Bensema, MS¹, and Paul D. D'Angelo, MS². (1) Department of Health Education and Recreation, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Pulliam 307, Mailcode 4632, Carbondale, IL 62901-4632, (2) School of Social Work, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Quigley Hall #4, Carbondale, IL 62901-4329, 618-453-1204, henry5@siu.edu

Problem/Objective: While advocacy is considered a Core Competency for health educators, many programs in health education/public health do not teach advocacy or the role of the health educator in formulating public policy. For health education programs to meet this need, they must find effective methods to inform students about advocacy skills. Methods: The Alpha Alpha Chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma (health education honorary) at SIU-Carbondale developed a workshop on advocacy for students and professionals in southern Illinois health and social service agencies. A lobbyist from Illinois Rural Health Association explained how bills become laws and differences between lobbying and advocacy. A former gubernatorial press secretary discussed using media advocacy. Three local legislators shared their perspectives on effective communication. Representatives of the local collegiate tobacco control initiative discussed effects of statewide preemption of local clean indoor air ordinances on local tobacco control initiatives. A lobbyist for American Lung Association Illinois-Iowa (ALA) explained the history of preemption in Illinois and how individuals can effectively join ALA's efforts for clean indoor air legislation. Results: Over 85 individuals attended the workshop and gained an understanding of advocacy. Participants were introduced to an ongoing advocacy need for tobacco control in Illinois, and given the opportunity to join ALAs efforts for clean indoor air in Illinois. A Pre-test and Post-test were administered and quantitatively analyzed. Conclusions: Student honoraries/service organizations can become effective mechanisms to engage students in advocacy efforts while increasing professional competencies. Lessons learned and the Advocacy Workshop agenda will be shared with conference participants.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe elements of an effective advocacy workshop.

Keywords: 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.