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Advocacy and GrassrootsWhat You Can and Can’t do as a Public Health Advocate
Steven R. Wermuth Chief Operating Officer
Ohio Department of Health
Ohio Public Health Association – Public Policy InstituteMarch 27, 2012
Why Advocate? Much of our funding comes from government payers.
Many of our day to day operations are dictated by rules and laws promulgated by government.
Advocacy involves educating our elected officials about what we do every day to serve our communities and how their actions impact us.
Advocacy doesn’t happen one time or once a year, but is an ongoing process.
How Do We Advocate?Face to Face
Letters
Phone calls
Events (Grand openings, annual celebrations, etc.)(Remember marketing 101: the average person needs to hear
something nine times before it is internalized)
When Do We Advocate?
State Association’s Statehouse events
Hill Days in Washington, DC
When the legislature/Congress is in Session
When elected officials are back in their districts
Who Do We Advocate? Local elected officials (mayors, township trustees, county commissioners)
State elected officials
State agency officials
Federal elected officials
Federal agency officials
Grassroots in AdvocacyBeing active in the public policy arena involves three major aspects:
1. Strong policy development (knowing what we are talking about, being creditable);
2. Strong grassroots (getting ourselves and others to carry our message); and,
3. Being politically active (show support of our elected officials).
All three of these aspects are intertwined, none being more important than the other, but collectively leading to success.
Grassroots in Advocacy Grassroots involves organizing staff, volunteers, board members,
residents and their families to help advocate to elected officials.
OPHA has members all over Ohio that can reach out to every member of the Ohio General Assembly as well as Ohio’s Congressional members.
Advocacy Tools
Definition of Advocacy ORC 101.70
“Actively advocate” means to promote, advocate, or oppose the passage, modification, defeat, or executive approval or veto of any legislation by direct communication with any member of the general assembly, any member of the controlling board, the governor, the director of any department listed in section 121.02 of the Revised Code, or any member of the staff of any public officer or employee listed in this division.
“Actively advocate” does not include the action of any person not engaged by an employer who has a direct interest in legislation if the person, acting under Section 3 of Article I, Ohio Constitution, assembles together with other persons to consult for their common good, instructs a public officer or employee who is listed in this division, or petitions that public officer or employee for the redress of grievances.
Do’s . . . Advocate for issues that are consistent with your organization’s mission, in accordance with your organization’s policies.
When asked, let others know you cannot advocate for issues based on personal interest.
Contact your legal counsel when in doubt about advocacy.
. . . and Don’ts Don’t advocate for an issue during work hours, unless doing so is
directly related to your professional responsibilities and you have your supervisor’s permission.
Don’t use office equipment to advocate for an issue, unless doing so is directly related to your professional responsibilities and you have your supervisor’s permission.
Don’t advocate for an issue while on your employer’s property, unless doing so is directly related to your professional responsibilities and you have your supervisor’s permission.
Most Important “Don’t”
Don’t be afraid to ask.
Any questions or concerns? Contact your legal counsel.
Advocacy Issues
Federal Health Care Reform
HB143 – Concussion Bill
Rules promulgated by local governments
Rules promulgated by the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, etc.
Tobacco Issues
Lee Iacocca said it best:
“Lead, Follow or Get out of the way”
Contact Information Steve Wermuth
Chief Operating Officer Ohio Department of Health
(614) 466-0041 [email protected]
