Oral

To have an impact on important health policy decisions, an organization’s advocacy efforts must be present at all levels of government. Many of APHA’s affiliates have extensive experience in promoting public health and influencing policy at the national, state, and local levels. Effective advocacy efforts can lead to expanded partnerships with like-minded organizations and increased awareness of your organization, as well as new members and even additional funding. Two affiliates that have been very successful in expanding their advocacy efforts will share strategies for involving their members in advocacy and will offer practical ideas on how to strengthen affiliate advocacy. The Public Health Association of New York City will discuss how they have established an active presence at the federal and local level. The New Mexico Public Health Association will discuss their innovative approach to increasing their presence in state-level advocacy including how they have effectively partnered with environmental health and justice organizations. In addition, results from the Affiliate Advocacy survey will be presented which will detail what affiliates across the country are doing to support advocacy and policy change.

Session Objectives: Describe the elements of a successful advocacy campaign. Discuss the advocacy efforts of two affiliates and be able to apply these lessons to his/her own affiliate.