This article describes the formation, successes, and challenges of a local tobacco control coalition in a mid-sized midwest city and their attempts to pass a smokefree restaurant ordinance. The direct action organizing model used to build a strong grass-roots community based coalition is evaluated. Coalition activities were used to directly affect tobacco policy at the city and county level. Efforts made to alter decision making and leverage the power of elites were successful by establishing a strong organized grass-roots network of advocates, direct one on one meetings with elected officials, and events organized to educate the public and bring attention to the need for policy change. The coalition developed and implemented a campaign plan to change tobacco control policy on smokefree restaurants and youth access. Local campaigns to change policy serve to increase community awareness through the local debate, discussion and the media attention they garner. The advantages of local action organizing are discussed. A survey of elected officials on knowledge and attitudes about tobacco control was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the local coalition.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. List five activities of local community-based coalitions that can directly affect tobacco control. 2. Prioritize the effectiveness of local tobacco control policy 3. Develop a plan for organizing a local coalition to change tobacco control policy
Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Coalition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.