What is Advocacy?

Our vision for public health is only achievable when the authority, ability and funding are in place to act for public health, which requires intentional and sustained advocacy. Advocacy is the means by which individuals or groups attempt to bring about social and/or organizational change on behalf of a health goal, program, interest, or population.

Public health advocacy takes many forms, including educating the public and informing elected officials about the importance of an issue, program, or need for funding. Advocacy can also include lobbying, where allowable, which is a strategy to persuade lawmakers to make a particular policy decision.

Using this Learning Series

In this forthcoming learning series you will: understand the power of advocacy; how to begin your advocacy journey with practical tools and strategies; how to get started with issue-based advocacy; how to advocate for change in your state; and how to navigate workplace restrictions. Browse the chapters below and sign up to be notified when this series is available.

Check out more resources on PHERN