191448 Keeping up the pressure: Influencing policymakers to support MLDA

Tuesday, October 28, 2008: 11:30 AM

Judy Cushing, CEO , Oregon Partnership, Portland, OR
Being nimble, efficient and using proven effective strategies is key in grabbing the attention of the public and elected leaders on emerging policy issues. This session will provide concrete examples of the use of the internet, earned media, news coverage, and Op-Eds to inform the public, parents, higher education donors, and the college community about the dangers of lowering the minimum drinking laws in America. How have national organizations (MADD, CSPI, CADCA, Join Together, etc.) helped local coalitions, prevention advocates, and community networks by providing facts, data, and talking points? How are these materials adapted for local use to make them more relevant and powerful? What other strategies have been employed to inform and mobilize people and educate policymakers about the recent Amethyst Initiative? How can this issue be leveraged to increase overall support for environmental approaches?

Learning Objectives:
Describe the need for advocacy to promote environmental approaches to reduce underage drinking, including MLDA. Discuss the methods used to influence policy makers, both directly and indirectly, to maintain MLDA. Assess the opportunities for collaboration with stakeholders to improve advocacy at the community and state level.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: My professional experience with working on MLDA
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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