Advocacy in Action Course

Using this expertise, SOPHE has developed an online advocacy course that covers advocacy skills and other topic areas such as policy and systems change and working with partnerships and coalitions that are critical to public health advocacy. 

SOPHE is excited to introduce an updated version of the Advocacy in Action online course. The course consists of four modules:

• Introduction to Health Policy and Advocacy

• Setting an Advocacy Agenda for Policymakers

• Introduction to Coalition Building 

• Developing & Implementing an Advocacy Day at the State and Local Level

This course will develop your advocacy skills by teaching you how to build broad support for your advocacy campaigns among community stakeholders and policymakers. Key topic areas and skills are covered in the four modules; they are approximately 30-60 minutes each using a combination of presentations, examples, videos, and self-examinations.

Module 1: Introduction to Advocacy

This module will differentiate the terms of policy, advocacy, and lobbying and show how they are inextricably linked. Types of advocacy will be discussed through examples, as well as how advocacy is used with policymakers and the media. Challenges and benefits of advocacy will be discussed and why HES are specifically skilled to lead in this competency area (Area 6 of NCHEC). 

Upon the completion of this module, participants will be able to: 

• Explain the difference between advocacy and lobbying.
• Discuss the legislative process and differentiate between types of advocacy.
• Discuss challenges and apply beneficial examples of advocacy in public health.

HESPA III Sub-competencies:

6.3.1 |Entry| Use various forms of media to conduct advocacy efforts.

6.3.2 |Entry| Initiate policy, system, or environmental change by using traditional, social, and emerging technologies and methods. 

6.1.6 |Entry| Identify relevant coalition(s) or stakeholders that can be engaged in advocacy efforts.

Module 2: Setting an Advocacy Agenda for Policy Makers

This module is designed to bridge the gap between public health theory and impactful advocacy. Led by experienced practitioners and researchers, the module guides participants through the transition from identifying community health needs to influencing actionable policy. Attendees will learn how to align their organizational mission with legislative priorities, craft compelling messages for policymakers, and build sustainable communication strategies to drive health equity and long-term community change. 

Upon the completion of this module, participants will be able to: 

• Explain the policy agenda and agenda-setting process.
• Apply health communication theory to health policy agenda-setting.
• Articulate successful communications strategies in meetings with policymakers.

HESPA III Sub-competencies:

6.1.3 |Adv| Identify models and/or frameworks to guide advocacy efforts. 

7.2.4 |Adv| Align communication planning to evidence and organizational policy. 

7.5.7 |Adv| Manage the implementation of communication plans in accordance with organizational policy.

Module 3: Introduction to Coalition Building 

This module provides an overview of the purpose and structure of effective coalitions and metrics to identify the effectiveness of coalitions. An effective coalition can engage in advocacy efforts that lead to policy change. 

Upon the completion of this module, participants will be able to: 

• Describe the purpose of a coalition 
• Discuss components of an effective coalition.  
• Describe metrics to evaluate a coalition’s effectiveness  

HESPA III Sub-competencies:

6.2.1 |Entry| Identify existing coalitions and stakeholders that favor and oppose the proposed policy, system, or environmental change and their reasons

6.2.3 |Entry| Support formal and/or informal alliances, task forces, and coalitions to address the proposed change.

6.3.3 |Adv| Sustain coalitions and stakeholder relationships to achieve and maintain policy, system, or environmental change.

Module 4: Developing & Implementing an Advocacy Day at the State/Local Level 

In this module, you will learn how to best organize an advocacy day with your policymakers. The steps for event planning will be discussed, as will tips and techniques for successful advocacy for a public health issue. An example of an advocacy day at a state capital will also be shared.  

Upon the completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• Describe the purpose and key components of an advocacy day. 
• Outline the essential steps involved in planning and organizing a legislative visit with policymakers. 
• Analyze an example of an advocacy day to determine strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. 

HESPA III Sub-competencies:

6.3.4 |Adv| Speak as an expert on advocacy issues to decision makers (e.g., legislative bodies, regulatory bodies, foundations)

7.1.4 |Entry| Identify communication channels accessible to and used by the audience(s).

7.2.3 |Entry| Identify factors that facilitate and/or hinder the intended outcome of the communication strategy.

Enroll now

Sponsored by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 7.25 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours available for this session is [this will be determined by the sub-competencies]. Provider ID #98029 and Program ID (0126018DL).

SOPHE is a provider of Certified in Public Health (CPH) Renewal Credits. A total of 7.25 CPH Renewal credits are provided on behalf of the National Board of Public Health Examiners.