What is advocacy?  And how can you make a difference: Education + Action = Advocacy.  As the public health community knows first hand, education is key.  When citizens become educated about an issue and the decision-making process, it empowers them to get involved and act, thus helping to chart the direction of policy.  Educating communities and getting various partners involved in public health issues makes for healthier communities.  It's easy!  

The Action Board works closely with APHA Government Relations and Advocacy staff to motivate membership participation in advocacy efforts around policies passed and legislative initiatives that are parallel with the association's priorities.  We work to make APHA's Action Alerts directly relevant to each of the units [Sections/SPIGS/Caucuses and Affiliates] that we represent. At this year’s APHA Annual Meeting you’ll have an opportunity to learn fundamental advocacy skills as well as an opportunity to socialize with colleagues and Action Board members at an Election Cocktail Night Party.  These opportunities are described below.

Educational opportunities for you to participate in advocacy:  During the Annual Meeting there are a number of opportunities for members to learn about and participate in APHA Advocacy [NOTE: Locations not known at this time]: 

1. 3288.0: Monday, Nov. 6, 2006: 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

                 Mobilizing a Campaign Around A Public Health Issue

2. 3192.0: Monday, Nov. 6, 2006: 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

                 Advocacy Law Rules and tools of non-profit lobbying

3. 3008.0: Monday, Nov. 6, 2006: 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

                  How to Write a Good Policy?

4. 5031.0: Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006: 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

                  Impact of the Midterm Elections

5. 3288.0: Monday, Nov. 6, 2006 - 2:30 p.m.

                  Vermont: A state-level advocacy best practice