Navigating Local Policy to Advance Community Change (MPHA)

Topics: Public health policy for coalitions and individuals, best practices for engaging in the legislative process, exploring state-level policy processes and the best places to plug in. 

Description: State laws and policies can sometimes be hard to find and understand. If you are new to public health or coalition work, this training will support you to learn how policy decisions are made in the Massachusetts State House, how to find policy information, how to engage local policymakers and explore ways policy can be used to support community work. This training will review key opportunities for coalitions to engage in the policy change process and influence policymakers. Through group work and skill-building activities, participants will leave this training with knowledge to increase their effectiveness and impact within the community and feel confident in bringing their voice into the state-level policy space. 

Audience: Coalition members and leaders, public health professionals that are new to the field.  

Trainer: Alexis Walls, Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA)

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to:

1. Describe how to find policy information in the Massachusetts State House.
2. Describe the process of how policy is passed in Massachusetts and where there is opportunity to get involved.   
3. Identify strategies for engaging with state policymakers through multiple avenues and entry points.  

MA DPH Coalition Criteria Addressed:

1. Effective utilization of data to inform goal and activity selection, implementation, and evaluation.
2. Defined structure for strategic planning and decision-making.  
3. Consistency with MDPH’s goals and priorities.  
4. Participation from key stakeholders (individuals and organizations that have a vested stake or interest in a program or policy initiative, e.g., it will impact them directly).   

Register Here!