Arizona Public Health Association

Advocacy

Advocacy depends on good relationships with decision-makers in the legislature. Building a relationship with the legislators that represent you is the first step towards effective advocacy. Below are some links to help you begin to participate in a meaningful way as the new legislative session begins in January 2006. The group Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest is a good start -- you will learn the rules for public advocacy, versus political action, and ways that private citizens with public interests can participate! The Legislative Committee of the Arizona Public Health Association has representatives appointed from each section, so please get involved, ask questions, and start emailing, calling and writing your legislators!

Our legislative priorities for 2006 include:

1. Supporting and protecting public health budgets and infrastructure to meet the needs of Arizona's growing population.
2. Supporting Access to Health Care (including universal access).
3. Supporting and protecting healthy environments, including safe water, clean air, urban planning and tobacco-free lifestyles.

Make a difference by visiting the links below:

• How To Do Nonprofit Advocacy Legally
• Finding Your Legislators and other Resources
• Simple Facts for Better Advocacy

Useful Links

• State health statistics
• www.congress.org
• www.azhealthinfo.org