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AAHE Advocacy Overview


AAHE serves health educators who promote the health of all people with the comprehensive approach to health education. A strategic goal of the association is to facilitate and conduct advocacy activities designed to promote and organize grassroots responses, a raise public awareness of health education –related legislation, topics and issues. This goal helped initiate AAHE's Focus on Advocacy Project.

AAHE first launched its Focus on Advocacy Project in 2002, providing members and partners with tools needed to be a successful advocate for health education. The project revolves around the Legislative Action Center. 

The Legislative Action Center is designed to serve the needs of AAHPERDs diverse membership of health professionals in health education, physical education, and physical activity. The center links AAHE members and partners to legislators and government officials through the following five features:

1.   Typing in your zip code by Elected Officials highlights your congressional delegation and provides contact and background information.
2.   Clicking on Issues and Legislation gives you updates on important issues, recent votes, and current legislation.

  • Check this site often for updates, alerts, and opportunities to become involved in the legislative process.        
  • Here, sample letters and talking points are provided for you to share with your congressional leaders.

3.   Entering your zip code by Guide to the Media highlights all the media outlets in your geographical area.

  • Here, you can use this list to write letters to the editors about Health Education issues, get local medial coverage of your events, and establish yourself as an expert in the eyes of the media.

4.   The Congress Today box gives you the schedules of all the legislative activities occurring on any given day.         

  • Here you can find when votes are coming up, when committees will be discussing your issues, and when best to act to voice your opinion about an issue.

5.   Clicking on the Web Sticker will link the AAHE Legislative Action Center to any other website in the world. This is a great way to make our messages and issues known by our friends, collaborators, and partners.

 

Additional Information

Related Links
AAHE is dedicated to providing opportunities for networking and providing the best health education resources. You will find never changing list of links that are categorized into: Government, Professional Membership Organizations, Voluntary Health Organizations, Education Organizations and Associations.

How to Conduct Advocacy in Your Community         

  • Get  to know your legislators         
  • Establish relationships         
  • Acquaint yourself with staff members         
  • Indentify fellow advocates and partners         
  • Learn the legislative process         
  • Be specific and concise         
  • Be honest, straightforward, and realistic         
  • Be open to negotiation         
  • Ask for a commitment         
  • Follow up with legislators and staff         
  • Be persistent