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Project SHARE Curriculum: Introduction to Advocacy

Student Health Advocates Redefining Empowerment

Introduction to Advocacy

Through the Introduction to Advocacy lesson, students will learn the basics of advocacy, with particular attention paid to healthcare and patient advocacy. Students will then write a persuasive letter to a state representative explaining a community problem and solution.

Objectives:

  • Define advocacy
  • Understand and be able to explain several different ways that individuals can advocate for a cause.
  • Describe why advocacy is important in a healthcare setting.
  • Argue for a solution to a problem they have identified in their community.

Materials:

  • Instructor computer and projector
  • Student computers/computer classroom
  • Handouts
  • Other: Loose leaf paper to draft letters

 

National Health Education Standards that Align with the Introduction to Advocacy Lesson

  • 4.12.4 Demonstrate how to ask for and offer assistance to enhance the health of self and others.
  • 8.12.1 Utilize accurate peer and societal norms to formulate a health-enhancing message.
  • 8.12.2 Demonstrate how to influence and support others to make positive health choices.
  • 8.12.3 Work cooperatively as an advocate for improving personal, family, and community health.
  • 8.12.4 Adapt health messages and communication techniques to a specific target audience.

National Strategies that Align with the SHARE Curriculum

Healthy People 2020 Objectives

AH-2      Increase the proportion of adolescents who participate in extracurricular and/or out-of-school activities.

AH-3.2   Increase the proportion of parents who attend events and activities in which their adolescents participate.

National Partnership for Action

Goal 1         Awareness - Increase awareness of the significance of health disparities, their impact on the nation, and the actions necessary to improve health outcomes for racial, ethnic, and underserved populations.

Strategy 2:  Develop and support partnerships among public, nonprofit, and private entities to provide a comprehensive infrastructure to increase awareness, drive action, and ensure accountability in efforts to end health disparities and achieve health equity across the lifespan.

Goal 2:        Leadership - Strengthen and broaden leadership for addressing health disparities at all levels.

Strategy 7:  Invest in young people to prepare them to be future leaders and practitioners by actively engaging and including them in the planning and execution of health, wellness and safety initiatives.