8. Advocacy

Research has shown that adolescents are less likely to use tobacco when they perceive that tobacco is not as easy to obtain. Raising tobacco prices by increasing the excise tax and passing strict laws about selling tobacco to minors, for example, are two ways to increase a minor’s difficulty in obtaining tobacco. These, in turn, can be accomplished through advocacy. First, be familiar with current laws at all levels of government. Second, figure out the how to change the laws for the better, and propose a code or legislation that is written in the correct legal style. Consult local attorneys or various government anti-smoking groups for suggestions and input in either writing new legislation or adapting older laws. Then, start to gather support foryour new provision. Collect statistics about better health conditions from other successful laws from around the country. Include information about direct and indirect costs incurred or saved because of your proposed law, as this will inevitably surfacein the ensuing debate. More importantly, put these statistics into language that everyone can understand. Personalize the risk that precedes the passing of the code to make community support easier to garnish. Consider a grassroots approach to changing ordinances, as tobacco companies have less influence at the local level. Know which legislatures or councils to contact regarding a new law, and know the past history of whom you are contacting regarding tobacco legislation. When you do contact the necessary political figure, you must have a wide basis for community support, or you pleas will go unanswered. Utilize individuals, health organizations, religious organizations, community leaders, schools, anything and anyone you can get your handson tooffer support, be it through letters or signatures. Finally, once you have successfully seen the implementation of your proposal, make sure that guidelines exist in the community to enforce the new laws. After all, without enforcement, laws are not sufficient themselves to prevent underage access to tobacco.

Skill Areas:
A Ability to propose new, or adapt existing, language for consideration in proposed legislation or codes

B Ability to disseminate specific and compelling information on results achieved due to changes in laws and codes introduced elsewhere

C Ability to present specific information on direct and indirect costs associated with proposed changes in laws and codes

D Ability to forge alliances in support of new code provisions orlegislation

E Ability to mobilize communities to contact legislative representatives in support of specific legislation

F Ability to promote enforcement of existing laws and code provisions