Healthy Lifestyle Initiative

Provide evidence for your case

• Back up Ideas with Research

Research is an important starting point for any policy intervention. Once a policy issue has been targeted for change, advocates need enough background

information to determine the most realistic strategy for mitigating the problem. Data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, city and county needs assessments, school districts, community based organizations, and

academic research can help describe the extent of a problem. More descriptive information can be gathered from community surveys, community forums, and focus groups to document how community members feel about the problem, and what they believe should be done.

• Calculate the Monetary Costs Associated with Inaction

Advocates should develop an estimate of the long-term economic and social costs related to inaction and compare these figures with the projected cost of moving forward with policy change. Reframing local policy solutions in terms of potential savings may help convince key decision makers that action is warranted.

• Use the Media to Educate the Public and Decision-Makers

The media bring attention to specific issues and can be used to set the agenda for public debate and policy change. Advocates can advance their policy

objectives through the use of media advocacy, a technique for harnessing the power of the media to promote social change. Effective media advocacy

requires careful planning, and adherence to several key principles. These include: monitoring the media for stories related to a particular issue; setting media objectives that are aligned with overall policy objectives; understanding

the needs of journalists, and maintaining credibility.