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