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Public health students across the country are incredibly qualified to be powerful advocates, but they often don’t have training to turn research and evidence into law, policy, and funding. Using real-life public health examples, this course teaches every tactic in the book to create change.
Read more
Public health students across the country are incredibly qualified to be powerful advocates, but they often don’t have training to turn research and evidence into law, policy, and funding. Using real-life public health examples, this course teaches every tactic in the book to create change.
Read more
Public health students across the country are incredibly qualified to be powerful advocates, but they often don’t have training to turn research and evidence into law, policy, and funding. Using real-life public health examples, this course teaches every tactic in the book to create change.
Expert speakers include:
Flint, Michigan’s water crisis advocate Mona Hanna-Attisha, MD, MPH
AIDS activist and lawyer, who led a successful class action to gain recognition for women to receive HIV/AIDS diagnoses, Terry McGovern, JD
Founder of West Harlem Environmental Action (WE ACT), who succeeded in turning NYC’s bus fleet hybrid electric, Peggy Shepard
Civil rights activist from Mississippi Freedom Summer, Bob Fullilove, EdD
Expert health lobbyist, Ross Frommer, JD
Public health graduate and elected official, Michelle Au, MD, MPH
And many more
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ap1pay/public
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What's inside
Learning objectives
- Why advocacy is a core competency for all public health professionals, and why public health students are needed to do it
- How to identify and research policy issues and the target for your campaign
- Public health strategy and tactics
- Power mapping
- Coalition-building, communication, and movement-building
- Lobbying, legislative action, and appropriations
- Leading election campaigns, voting, and running for office
- Implementing administrative advocacy and petitions
- Organizing boycotts
- Filing lawsuits and impact litigation
- Taking direct action
- Why advocacy is a core competency for all public health professionals, and why public health students are needed to do it
- How to identify and research policy issues and the target for your campaign
- Public health strategy and tactics
- Power mapping
- Coalition-building, communication, and movement-building
- Lobbying, legislative action, and appropriations
- Leading election campaigns, voting, and running for office
- Implementing administrative advocacy and petitions
- Organizing boycotts
- Filing lawsuits and impact litigation
- Taking direct action
Syllabus
The course will be structured with 5 modules. The course should take approximately 15 hours for learners to complete. The short structure and low cognitive load is intentional; though the course includes some theory, the key purpose of the course is highly pragmatic and action-oriented, and is designed to quickly prepare learners to confidently speak to elected officials and design advocacy campaigns.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces the importance of advocacy for public health, empowering students to make a meaningful impact on policy and change
Offers practical strategies and tactics for developing and implementing advocacy campaigns, equipping students with the tools to create real-world change
Features renowned public health advocates as expert speakers, providing students with firsthand insights and inspiration from the field
Covers a wide range of topics essential for public health advocacy, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field
Provides a short and accessible format, making it convenient for students to fit into their schedules
Advises no prerequisites, making it accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and experience levels
Save this course
Save Public Health Advocacy Academy to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Public Health Advocacy Academy with these
activities:
Review research methodologies
Show steps
Review the principles of research design, including sampling strategies, data collection techniques, and statistical analysis methods, to prepare for the course's emphasis on evidence-based advocacy.
Browse courses on
Research Methods
Show steps
-
Identify key concepts and principles of research design.
-
Summarize the strengths and limitations of different research methods.
-
Practice designing a research study, including identifying appropriate research questions and hypotheses, selecting a sample, and choosing data collection methods.
Read 'Rules for Radicals' by Saul Alinsky
Show steps
This book provides a framework for understanding and implementing effective advocacy strategies.
View
John L. Lewis: An Unauthorized Biography
on Amazon
Show steps
Find a Mentor in the Field of Advocacy
Show steps
Gain valuable guidance and support from an experienced advocate.
Browse courses on
Advocacy
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors in the field of advocacy.
-
Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in learning from them.
-
Establish a mentoring relationship.
-
Meet with your mentor regularly to discuss your goals, challenges, and progress.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Analyze a public health policy
Show steps
Analyze a public health policy to gain an understanding of its goals, implementation, and potential impact, demonstrating the ability to critically evaluate policy documents.
Browse courses on
Public Health Policy
Show steps
-
Select a public health policy for analysis.
-
Review the policy document and identify its key provisions.
-
Analyze the policy's goals, objectives, and potential impact on the target population.
-
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the policy.
-
Write a report summarizing your analysis.
Review Power Mapping
Show steps
Knowing who to talk to and why is a critical part of advocacy. Review the key characteristics of power mapping to deepen your understanding.
Show steps
-
Define power mapping and its purpose.
-
Identify the different types of power.
-
Analyze a case study of a successful power mapping campaign.
-
Create a power map for a local issue you care about.
Volunteer with a Local Advocacy Organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience by volunteering with an organization working on a public health issue you care about.
Browse courses on
Advocacy
Show steps
-
Research local advocacy organizations.
-
Identify an organization that aligns with your interests and goals.
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Attend volunteer training and orientation.
-
Participate in advocacy activities, such as attending community meetings, writing letters to elected officials, or organizing events.
Attend Public Health Advocacy Events
Show steps
Connect with other advocates and learn about current public health issues and campaigns.
Browse courses on
Public Health
Show steps
-
Research upcoming public health advocacy events.
-
Attend events that align with your interests.
-
Meet and network with other attendees.
Develop an Advocacy Campaign Plan
Show steps
Create a detailed plan for an advocacy campaign on a public health issue you are passionate about.
Browse courses on
Public Health Policy
Show steps
-
Identify the issue you want to address.
-
Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your campaign.
-
Develop a strategy to achieve your goals.
-
Create a timeline for your campaign.
-
Identify the resources you will need to implement your campaign.
Develop a Policy Brief on a Public Health Issue
Show steps
Create a concise, persuasive document that outlines the key points of a public health issue and recommends policy solutions.
Browse courses on
Public Health
Show steps
-
Identify a public health issue that you are passionate about.
-
Research the issue thoroughly.
-
Develop a set of policy recommendations.
-
Write a policy brief that outlines your findings and recommendations.
-
Share your policy brief with policymakers, advocates, and the public.
Develop a public health advocacy campaign proposal
Show steps
Create a comprehensive proposal outlining a public health advocacy campaign, including a clear statement of the problem, target audience, objectives, strategies, and evaluation plan, to demonstrate understanding of the course concepts.
Browse courses on
Public Health Advocacy
Show steps
-
Research a public health issue and identify a target population.
-
Develop a campaign strategy, including goals, objectives, and tactics.
-
Create a budget and timeline for the campaign.
-
Write a proposal that outlines the campaign plan.
Review research methodologies
Show steps
Review the principles of research design, including sampling strategies, data collection techniques, and statistical analysis methods, to prepare for the course's emphasis on evidence-based advocacy.
Browse courses on
Research Methods
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify key concepts and principles of research design.
- Summarize the strengths and limitations of different research methods.
- Practice designing a research study, including identifying appropriate research questions and hypotheses, selecting a sample, and choosing data collection methods.
Read 'Rules for Radicals' by Saul Alinsky
Show steps
This book provides a framework for understanding and implementing effective advocacy strategies.
View
John L. Lewis: An Unauthorized Biography
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Find a Mentor in the Field of Advocacy
Show steps
Gain valuable guidance and support from an experienced advocate.
Browse courses on
Advocacy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors in the field of advocacy.
- Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in learning from them.
- Establish a mentoring relationship.
- Meet with your mentor regularly to discuss your goals, challenges, and progress.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Analyze a public health policy
Show steps
Analyze a public health policy to gain an understanding of its goals, implementation, and potential impact, demonstrating the ability to critically evaluate policy documents.
Browse courses on
Public Health Policy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a public health policy for analysis.
- Review the policy document and identify its key provisions.
- Analyze the policy's goals, objectives, and potential impact on the target population.
- Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the policy.
- Write a report summarizing your analysis.
Review Power Mapping
Show steps
Knowing who to talk to and why is a critical part of advocacy. Review the key characteristics of power mapping to deepen your understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Define power mapping and its purpose.
- Identify the different types of power.
- Analyze a case study of a successful power mapping campaign.
- Create a power map for a local issue you care about.
Volunteer with a Local Advocacy Organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience by volunteering with an organization working on a public health issue you care about.
Browse courses on
Advocacy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research local advocacy organizations.
- Identify an organization that aligns with your interests and goals.
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Attend volunteer training and orientation.
- Participate in advocacy activities, such as attending community meetings, writing letters to elected officials, or organizing events.
Attend Public Health Advocacy Events
Show steps
Connect with other advocates and learn about current public health issues and campaigns.
Browse courses on
Public Health
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research upcoming public health advocacy events.
- Attend events that align with your interests.
- Meet and network with other attendees.
Develop an Advocacy Campaign Plan
Show steps
Create a detailed plan for an advocacy campaign on a public health issue you are passionate about.
Browse courses on
Public Health Policy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the issue you want to address.
- Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your campaign.
- Develop a strategy to achieve your goals.
- Create a timeline for your campaign.
- Identify the resources you will need to implement your campaign.
Develop a Policy Brief on a Public Health Issue
Show steps
Create a concise, persuasive document that outlines the key points of a public health issue and recommends policy solutions.
Browse courses on
Public Health
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a public health issue that you are passionate about.
- Research the issue thoroughly.
- Develop a set of policy recommendations.
- Write a policy brief that outlines your findings and recommendations.
- Share your policy brief with policymakers, advocates, and the public.
Develop a public health advocacy campaign proposal
Show steps
Create a comprehensive proposal outlining a public health advocacy campaign, including a clear statement of the problem, target audience, objectives, strategies, and evaluation plan, to demonstrate understanding of the course concepts.
Browse courses on
Public Health Advocacy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research a public health issue and identify a target population.
- Develop a campaign strategy, including goals, objectives, and tactics.
- Create a budget and timeline for the campaign.
- Write a proposal that outlines the campaign plan.
Career center
Learners who complete Public Health Advocacy Academy will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Public Health Lawyer
Public Health Lawyer
Public Health Lawyers use their legal knowledge and skills to protect and promote public health. They work on a variety of issues, including access to healthcare, environmental protection, and food safety. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Public Health Lawyers develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Public Health Lawyers who want to make a difference in the world.
Public Health Policy Analyst
Public Health Policy Analyst
Public Health Policy Analysts play a vital role in developing and implementing public health policies. They use their knowledge of public health issues, research methods, and policy analysis to inform decision-makers. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Public Health Policy Analysts develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Public Health Policy Analysts who want to make a difference in the world.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health Educators play a vital role in improving public health. They use a variety of strategies to educate people about health issues, promote healthy behaviors, and advocate for policies that support health. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Health Educators develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Health Educators who want to make a difference in the world.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers provide health education and support to people in their communities. They work with individuals, families, and groups to improve health outcomes. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Community Health Workers develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Community Health Workers who want to make a difference in their communities.
Public Health Administrator
Public Health Administrator
Public Health Administrators oversee the implementation of public health programs and policies. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, public health professionals, and community members. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Public Health Administrators develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Public Health Administrators who want to make a difference in the world.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and injury. They use their findings to develop and implement public health interventions. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Epidemiologists develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Epidemiologists who want to make a difference in the world.
Legislator
Legislator
Legislators make laws that affect public health. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including constituents, public health professionals, and lobbyists. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Legislators develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Legislators who want to make a difference in the world.
Health Policy Advisor
Health Policy Advisor
Health Policy Advisors provide advice to policymakers on health issues. They use their knowledge of public health, policy analysis, and politics to inform decision-making. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Health Policy Advisors develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Health Policy Advisors who want to make a difference in the world.
Public Health Communications Specialist
Public Health Communications Specialist
Public Health Communications Specialists develop and implement communication campaigns to promote public health. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including the media, public health professionals, and the public. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Public Health Communications Specialists develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Public Health Communications Specialists who want to make a difference in the world.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including board members, staff, donors, and clients. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Nonprofit Managers develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Nonprofit Managers who want to make a difference in the world.
Political Campaign Manager
Political Campaign Manager
Political Campaign Managers oversee the operations of political campaigns. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including candidates, staff, donors, and voters. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Political Campaign Managers develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Political Campaign Managers who want to make a difference in the world.
Healthcare Lobbyist
Healthcare Lobbyist
Healthcare Lobbyists represent the interests of healthcare organizations before government officials. They work to influence policy decisions that affect the healthcare industry. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Healthcare Lobbyists develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Healthcare Lobbyists who want to make a difference in the world.
Public relations manager
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers oversee the public relations efforts of organizations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including the media, the public, and employees. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Public Relations Managers develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Public Relations Managers who want to make a difference in the world.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate social service systems and improve their lives. They work with a variety of clients, including individuals, families, and groups. The Public Health Advocacy Academy can help Social Workers develop the skills they need to be effective advocates for public health. The course will teach them how to identify and research policy issues, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and build coalitions. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Social Workers who want to make a difference in the world.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They work with students of all ages, from preschool to college. The Public Health Advocacy Academy may be useful for Teachers who want to incorporate public health into their curriculum. The course will teach them about the importance of public health, as well as how to teach students about public health issues. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Teachers who want to make a difference in the lives of their students.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ap1pay/public
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Public Health Advocacy Academy.
Collection of essays by James Baldwin, which provides a powerful indictment of racism in America.
Tells the story of Bryan Stevenson, a lawyer who has dedicated his life to defending the poor and marginalized, and the impact of his work on the lives of his clients.
This manual provides a comprehensive overview of public health advocacy, including the history and ethics of advocacy, the role of evidence in advocacy, and strategies for building coalitions and campaigns.
Save
Collection of speeches and essays by Martin Luther King Jr., which provides a powerful call for racial justice.
Novel that tells the story of a young African American girl who witnesses the police killing of her unarmed friend.
Provides a historical overview of how the US government has used laws and policies to segregate America, and the impact of this segregation on the lives of African Americans.
Argues that mass incarceration new form of racial segregation, and that it has had a devastating impact on the lives of African Americans.
Provides a foundation in social justice, including the history and evolution of social justice movements, the different types of social justice, and the strategies for promoting social justice.
Save
Examines the political context of public health and provides strategies for advocating for public health policies.
A theoretical overview of health policy and the role that advocacy plays in its development and implementation, suitable as a supplementary reading.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ap1pay/public
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Effort
1 to 2 hours per week for 12 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Columbia University
Session
November 30, 2023
- June 30, 2025
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Introduces the importance of advocacy for public health, empowering students to make a meaningful impact on policy and change
Offers practical strategies and tactics for developing and implementing advocacy campaigns, equipping students with the tools to create real-world change
Features renowned public health advocates as expert speakers, providing students with firsthand insights and inspiration from the field
Covers a wide range of topics essential for public health advocacy, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field
Provides a short and accessible format, making it convenient for students to fit into their schedules
Advises no prerequisites, making it accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and experience levels
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