APHA Media Advocacy Manual

Resource: APHA Media Advocacy Manual

Host: American Public Health Association

What it is: “Advocacy is used to promote an issue in order to influence policy-makers and encourage social change. Advocacy in public health plays a role in educating the public, swaying public opinion or influencing policy-makers.

Media coverage is one of the best ways to gain the attention of decision-makers, from local elected officials to members of Congress. All monitor the media. Every congressional office has a staff person who monitors the news in the district or state and clips articles that mention the representative or senator by name. These articles are circulated to staff each week. Decisions to support legislative initiatives are frequently influenced by the media coverage.

Getting media coverage can be very easy. By taking a few minutes to write a letter to the editor, any APHA member or public health advocate can reach thousands of other citizens, including policy-makers and their staff. Investing just a little more time can lead to significant payoffs for public health.”

https://dcpartners.iel.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/APHA-Media_Advocacy_Manual.pdf