Policy Advocacy Actions at the Organization, State and National Levels: Using Service Learning to Inform Policy at the State Level

The public approval rating of the U.S. Congress has seen all-time lows as political discourse in the U.S. has been described as hostile. Similar trends are prevalent at the state level.  Individuals interested in advocating for a change to existing or the adoption of new policy must be actively involved and refrain from withdrawing from the policy process.  Four strategies for advocacy in the state policy process include: 1) becoming familiar with the legislative process 2) supporting and building relationships with candidates that support your issues 3) researching the issues important to you and providing information to policymakers 4) working closely with the legislators sponsoring the proposed bill and providing support throughout the process.

Two examples of policy advocacy will be discussed as part of a PhD program in Health Policy and Management. Indiana residents have been significantly impacted by the prescription drug abuse epidemic in the U.S.  In 2015, PhD students advocated for a policy that would increase access to a rescue drug in hopes of reducing drug overdose fatalities. These students followed the four strategies identified, which resulted in the bill receiving overwhelming support and passing 11-0 in its first Senate Committee hearing. In 2014, PhD students analyzed proposed legislation and provided policy briefs informed by original and existing research in order to influence existing and future legislation relating to public transit in order to improve safety and public health.

An example of how PhD students were able to inform state policies through service learning projects.