Introduction to Advocacy. Community Pediatrics Columbia University

Transcription

1 Introduction to Advocacy Community Pediatrics Columbia University 1

2 What is Advocacy? 2

3 What is Advocacy? Act of pleading for, supporting or recommending Webster s Dictionary From the Latin advocare: to call to one s aid --voc: voice 3

4 What is Advocacy? Advocacy is an attitude, plan of action and behavior that have as specific goal(s) the improvement of the physical, emotional, or environmental condition of an individual child or adolescent, family or their community. --Dyson Initiative working definition 4

5 What is Child Advocacy? Advocacy for children is an attempt to improve the lives of children through attention to the decisions that affect children [it] is intervention on behalf of children in relation to those services and institutions that impinge on their lives. -Richard Tompkins,

6 Why should we be advocates? 6

7 Why should we be advocates? Children cannot advocate for themselves We are in a unique position to see problems and understand their implications The problems matter Because of our scientific training, we have respect and credibility to make a difference 7

8 Types of Advocacy Legislative Advocacy Advocacy at the individual or family level Advocacy in the community 8

9 Legislative Advocacy Examples Mandating window bars in apartments with children (city) Helmet laws (state) S-CHIP (federal) 9

10 Legislative Advocacy Process is slow and idiosyncratic Process varies for different legislative bodies Know when your voice will be heard and intervene! Proposal of a bill Public Hearings on an issue Lobbying individual legislators 10

11 Advocacy for an Individual Examples: Filling out forms for SSI/disability benefits Assisting patients in obtaining health insurance Writing a letter to a landlord requesting that window guards be installed Referring a new mother to a breastfeeding consultant 11

12 Advocacy for an Individual Understand the problem Involve the family Know the rules Communicate effectively written or verbally Master the appeals process Know community resources Follow up! 12

13 Advocacy in the Community Examples: Post Partum Primary Care Project Injury and Violence Prevention Center Reach Out and Read Best Beginnings 13

14 Advocacy in the Community Identify community concerns; find an issue that meets your interests Assess community assets and needs Identify your strengths and role Build and sustain partnerships Develop strategies for change 14

15 Principles of Advocacy Develop a clear mission Implement a strategy of small wins Identify friends and build coalitions, seeking as wide a base of support as possible Identify adversaries and attempt to neutralize the opposition Don t ever burn bridges Develop a good relationship with the media 15

16 Principles of Advocacy (con d) Use sound data; if no data exist, admit it. Be passionate Be pragmatic, willing to compromise Patience and persistence are imperative Minimize looking self-serving, submerge the ego Never use scapegoats when things go wrong 16

17 Designing an Effective Advocacy Project 17

18 What do we mean by project? A mentored hands-on experience in community-linked endeavors to prepare residents to be lifelong active leaders in improving and advocating for child health in the community --Dyson Initiative working definition 18

19 Designing an Effective Advocacy Project 1. Define the problem 2. Include a population perspective: how important is problem in the community? How many and which children are affected? How severe are the effects? How does this compare to other health problems? 19

20 Designing a Project (con d) 3. Include a needs assessment How do people in the community perceive the problem? What do community members believe are the causes? What do community members believe are good solutions? 20

21 Designing a Project (con d) 4. Include a community resource assessment Who is already interested in the problem? What is already being done to address the problem? What existing resources can be mobilized? 21

22 Designing a Project (con d) 5. Apply academic expertise Review the literature Talk to those who have relevant expertise; think interdisciplinary 22

23 Designing a Project (con d) 6. Consider the legislative perspective Are there potential legislative solutions? Are there politicians interested in the problem (personally or politically)? 23

24 Designing a Project (con d) 7. Propose an intervention Estimate anticipated effect of the intervention 8. Include an evaluation plan Assess the impact Evidence that intervention is worth funding or replicating 24

25 What a Single Pediatrician Can Accomplish Dr. Abraham Bergman was instrumental in all of the following initiatives: Flammable Fabrics Act 67 Fluoridation of Seattle Water 68 Poison Prevention Packaging Act 70 National Health Service Corps 71 Consumer Product Safety Commission 72 Indian Health Care Improvement Act 76 25

26 If I am not for myself, who am I? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when? - Hillel 26