working with community coalitions
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Working with Community Coalitions. J. Gary Wheeler, MD, MPS Little Rock, Arkansas. Goals and Objectives. Goal: Appreciate the complex structure of community behavioral change and the role of community advocacy Objective: - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Working with Community CoalitionsWorking with Community Coalitions
J. Gary Wheeler, MD, MPSJ. Gary Wheeler, MD, MPS
Little Rock, ArkansasLittle Rock, Arkansas
Goals and Objectives Goals and Objectives • Goal:
– Appreciate the complex structure of community behavioral change and the role of community advocacy
• Objective:– Describe how physicians can collaborate with
community coalitions to influence tobacco prevention and control policy
How things happenHow things happen
• By choice
• By fiat/force
• By incentives
• Uncontrolled events
ChoiceChoice
Washing clothes
Fiat/forceFiat/force
SpeedLimits
IncentivesIncentives
Tax Code
Social Change: Ecologic ModelSocial Change: Ecologic Model
MD RN
Models of policy changeModels of policy change
• Outside initiative model– NGOs (policy entrepreneurs)– Bring pressure on policy makers
• Mobilization model– Government leaders who define terms– Seek broad support
• Inside Access Model– Those with easy access to policy makers– Slip in specific laws under the radar
Advantages/DisadvantagesAdvantages/Disadvantages
• Inside Access Model– Efficient for technical issues; undemocratic,
unsustainable
• Outside Access Model– Populist; cost and effort are huge
• Mobilization Model– Model of government; popularity/leadership of
the governmental leader
The overlooked factor: The overlooked factor: communitycommunity
So, polls really are important
Benefits and Challenges of Coalitions
• Benefits– Strength in numbers– … relationships– ….diversity– ….resources
• Challenges– Autonomy– Different Goals– Efficiency
Steps to Coalition Success
• 1.Clarify/reaffirm vision & mission • 2.Create ownership of coalition • 3.Solidify coalition infrastructure & processes• 4.Recruit & retain active, diverse membership• 5.Develop transformational leaders • 6.Market your coalition• 7.Focus on action & advocacy• 8.Evaluate your coalition
Why do coalitions need physicians?
• Most people trust their health care professionals• Established, credible members of communities
with significant influence• We represent strong political allies (AMA, AAP,
etc)• We are the final word on the health science of a
public debate• We have personal contact with patients and can
tell their stories
Why physicians?
• We are often the only advocates for patients
• We may have more freedom to speak compared to others
Effective interactions
• Attendance
• Contribute (resources)
• Help connect
• Schmooze
• Accept role as an equal partner
• Eye on the prize
Engage other physicians
• Professionals• Create a “deeper story” by consolidating data
from the clinical/patient perspective and community perspective
• Have a defined role for their participation. Have a realistic “ask” of them that builds off of their skills and talents.
• Be respectful of time constraints. Health care professionals are often juggling clinical care, academic work, after-hours call, administrative responsibilities, and family time.
Most important lessonsMost important lessons
• Remember to say thanks