:: Community-Based Advocacy
Effective community advocacy begins with building a collaborative framework within which a community can combine its information, energy and other resources.The American Lung Association of Maryland provides a key collaborative component in working with community groups and businesses in advocating for policies that protect lung health. For more than two decades, our staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to advocate for changes in public policy to:
- Restrict youth access to tobacco products.
- Eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke in public places and businesses.
- Provide access to tobacco cessation.
- Enforce existing tobacco control policies.
The Lung Association was a key founding organizer of Smoke Free Maryland, and we continue to work collaboratively with local and state coalitions to implement educational programs and policies that promote tobacco-free environments.
In the Maryland 2000 legislative session, the Lung Association advocated successfully to restrict youth access to vending machines and to promote implementation of a comprehensive plan to reduce tobacco use in Maryland.
However, not all advocacy is directly related to legislation. We also increase public awareness about Maryland's air quality issues, both indoor and outdoor. Some counties in Maryland are ranked amoung the worst in the country. Educating our communities about ways to help clean the air through individual and group efforts help all of us breathe a little easier.
Become an "E-Advocate" and Support Lung Association Issues
Here’s a chance for your voice to be heard! The American Lung Association of Maryland encourages all citizens to become involved in advocating for policies that protect lung health and prevent lung disease. As a voter, you have the power to persuade your elected officials to support policies that protect your family's and your lung health. Tobacco smoke exposure continues to be a leading cause of death and no one should have to breathe tobacco smoke where they work or dine. Please join us in advocating for smoke-free environments for all Marylanders. As an e-advocate you can make your voice heard on this issue and others, including air quality and asthma. For more information, or to sign up, click here.
:: Training and Technical Assistance
The Lung Association provides training in grassroots/community-based advocacy at the municipal, county, and state levels. Our guide, Speak Out and Be Heard, provides key information on how to communicate with key decision makers. This guide includes strategies on letter writing, personal visits and public testimony. Each year, the Lung Association coordinates a statewide Legislative Action Team to promote policies and legislation that protect lung health.
Resources
The ALA Action Network www.lungaction.org
American Lung Association National http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22993&
Become an e-advocate www.lungaction.org/alamd/home.html
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