Contemplating the science and the art of advocacy

Objective:
To explore and engage with the “science and art’ of advocacy across a spectrum of specific case studies.

Key messages/Key questions:
The symposia will explore both the “science and art’ of advocacy using the following approach with  application  to a range of diverse case studies. The sub-plenary will open with  introductory remarks that will respond to questions like : What is advocacy? Why is it so important in health promotion?

The science and the art of advocacy:
What are the imperatives for effective advocacy? What are some simple frameworks to de-mystify the ‘science and art’ of advocacy?
Imperatives include:

• Evidence: Translate and present evidence with urgency
• Policy relevance: Articulate a fit with policy priorities
• Solutions: Outline an agenda for action
• Advocacy strategy: Mobilizing advocacy across five domains
• Persuasive communication: The art of advocacy delivering creative and persuasive communication. 
  

Speakers will be selected to share case studies applying the above framework. Areas of application include:

1. Global Advocacy for Physical Activity (GAPA) – mobilizing advocacy on a global scale
How do you mobilize advocacy for physical activity on a Global scale?  The creation of Global Advocacy for Physical Activity (GAPA) and its orientation around five core functions to advance global physical activity and health advocacy:

• information mobilization
• advocacy for national policies
• the development of the ‘Toronto Charter’ - a global charter  for physical activity
• advocating for training in physical activity (and advocacy); and 
• establishing and strengthening regional networks for physical activity.
  

2. Achieving equity in Indigenous health: focussing the pragmatic and winning the hearts and minds

3. Advancing the Social Determinants for Health Agenda in Developing country situations through advocacy

4. Embedding advocacy in organizational operations, the case of VicHealth
Advocacy is about influencing outcomes. That is, how we convince those with power/capacity/funds to make the appropriate decisions in the interest of health. This presentation outlines how to affect health change by orienting an organisation’s operations around key advocacy strategies of direct communication or lobbying, stakeholder engagement and media engagement.

The sub-plenary will include a summary through a facilitated discussion with speakers and the participants.

Links to conference theme(s):
Effective Advocacy in  Health Promotion is fundamental to all conference streams, with particular relevant to promoting equity and sustainable development.

Proposed format:
Symposium

Chair:

• Dr. Nancy Lins, IUHPE Advocacy Advisory Group; American Cancer Council, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Moderator:

• Dr. Nancy Lins, IUHPE Advocacy Advisory Group; American Cancer Council, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
  Presentation (PPS, 1.1 MB)
  

Speakers:

• Dr. Trevor Shilton, Director of Cardiovascular Health at the National Heart Foundation of Australia, and is the Heart Foundation's National Physical Activity spokesperson, Australia
  Presentation (PDF, 1.66 MB)
  Presentation (PPS, 11.04 MB)
  
• Dr. Alok Mukhopadhyay, CEO Voluntary Health Association of India, IUHPE Board Member. Delhi, India
• Mr Todd Harper, Chief Executive Officer, VicHealth, Carlton, Australia
  Presentation (PPS, 560 kB)
  
• Professor Lisa Jackson-Pulver, Director, Muru Marri Indigenous Health Unit, University of New South Wales, Australia
  Presentation (PPS, 11.87 MB)