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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:
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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: • Describe how physicians can collaborate with community coalitions to influence tobacco prevention and control policy
How things happen • By choice • By fiat/force • By incentives • Uncontrolled events
Choice Washing clothes
Fiat/force Speed Limits
Incentives Tax Code
Models 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/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: community 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 lessons Remember to say thanks