Summary
Definition
- A policy is a decision designed to address a given problem or interrelated set of problems that affect a large number of people. Advocacy consists of activities carried out on behalf of policies or constituencies; its purpose is to influence outcomes that affect peoples’ lives.
- It is important for MCH leaders to possess policy and advocacy skills because they often must defend and advocate for MCH resources in competitive economic and political environments.
Objectives
Participants will:
- Identify policy/legislative processes at local, state and national levels
- Identify public and private sector policies that affect MCH groups
- Demonstrate the ability to inform and educate policymakers about needs and impact of current policies on MCH groups, using data
- Identify stakeholders who influence MCH policy
- Evaluate policies and their impact on diverse groups
Core Seminar
- Advocacy Curriculum
- Advocacy Presentation – Audio Part 1 – Audio Part 2
- How a Bill Becomes Law diagram
- I’m Just a Bill
- John Reiss Child Health Policy talk
- Advocacy Training – UF Pediatrics Residency Program
- The Policy Process
Self-Directed Learning
- Identify your local, state and federal legislators
- Write a policy statement
- Follow a bill through the legislative process
- Read and summarize policy listserv
- Write a letter to, call or meet with a legislator
Community Activity
- How do policy and advocacy issues relate to your community activity?
- How might you use policy/advocacy to promote the goals of your community activity, on a larger scale?
Leadership Journal & Portfolio
- What policies appear to affect the care of children and families at the PPC
- Write a letter advocating for a specific patient/family
Clinical Preparation
- What policies appear to affect the care of children and families at the PPC?
- Write a letter advocating for a specific patient/family