Getting Started with your Advocacy Journey
Take Action Guides
GUIDE FOR
Individuals and Community Residents
As a private individual, your first Amendment right to “freedom of speech” protects your right to express your beliefs, which includes advocating for public health issues and expressing opinions on a political campaign or issue.
GUIDE FOR
State and Regional Public Health Associations
While national advocacy sets the stage for addressing broad public health challenges, local communities often face unique health needs that require tailored solutions. State and regional public health associations are valuable partners in addressing these challenges.
Developing Your Strategy
The key to effective advocacy is strategic action. As you begin strategizing, consider the following:
- Your Target Audience: Who are you trying to influence? Tailor your message and tactics to resonate with them.
- The Issue at Hand: What public health issue are you advocating for? Research the facts, potential solutions, and existing policies.
- Theory of change: Develop a clear understanding of how your advocacy efforts will lead to the desired change. Consider short-term and long-term goals, and the steps needed to achieve them.
- Your Resources and Time Commitment: Choose strategies that align with your available time and resources.
- Urgency: Assess the urgency of the issue and identify any pressing deadlines or windows of opportunity for action. Consider the potential consequences of inaction or delayed action.
Tip! Don’t start from scratch. There are likely organizations in your area doing advocacy work. Connecting with existing organizers is a great way to get involved and learn more about the issues that matter most to your community.
Ways to Advocate
Low-Lift, High Impact Strategies
Spread the Word on Social Media: Use the power of social media to spread awareness about public health issues. Share informative articles, infographics, and videos from reputable sources. Use relevant hashtags to join conversations and connect with others passionate about the cause.
Have Conversations with Your Community and Networks: Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about the public health issues you care about.
Write a Letter to the Editor: Write a short letter to your local newspaper expressing your views on public health policy. Keep your letter concise and factual, highlighting the importance of the issue and your desired outcome.
Contact Your Elected Officials: Make your voice heard by your representatives! Most legislators have easy-to-use online forms where you can submit comments on proposed bills or express your support for specific public health initiatives.
Sign Petitions for Change: Signing and sharing online petitions can be a powerful way to demonstrate public support for an issue. Choose petitions from reputable organizations and encourage your network to join the cause (or conduct their own petition drive!).
Vote for Health: Research the voting records and public health stances of candidates for all levels of office. Vote for those who prioritize policies that will create a healthier future for all..
Moderate Effort Advocacy Strategies
Join Grassroots Efforts: Identify grassroots organizations in your community that are working on public health issues you care about. Joining protests, meetings and other movement building activities of established groups is a powerful way to leverage the energy and expertise of community members.
Wheatpasting or Promoting Political Art: Art builds civic muscle, influences social movements, promotes inclusivity, builds community, and empowers communities to address public health issues.
Community Fora and Public Hearings: Attend (or plan!) and participate in public fora and hearings where public health issues are being discussed. Ask thoughtful questions, share relevant information, and express your opinions to policymakers and community members.
Deep Dives in Advocacy Strategies
Lobby for Change: Lobbying involves communicating with legislators to influence policy decisions. This can include both direct lobbying (communicating directly with policymakers) and grassroots lobbying (mobilizing the public to influence policy indirectly). Research lobbying laws and regulations in your area, identify your target legislators, and prepare well-researched arguments for your desired policy changes. Even if you can’t lobby when you are at work, you can lobby in your own time.
Community Workshops and Events: Organize workshops, events, or Hill Days to educate your community about public health issues. Partner with local health departments, community organizations, and subject matter experts to create engaging and informative experiences. Events can bring people together, raise awareness, and generate resources for advocacy efforts.
Build a Coalition: Public health issues are complex and often require a collective voice to achieve change. Consider finding or building a coalition with other organizations and individuals who share your passion for a specific issue.
This concludes the learning series. Return to previous chapters or return to the start.