Learning Objectives: Be empowered to become more outspoken in their States and communities Become informed as to effective methods of fighting the tobacco industry's political influence Learn the limits of what may (or may not) be done at work, and what may be done while off duty Know the limits on using an organization's name while volunteering personal time for lobbying Become empowered to make more of a difference
Abstract: As new State budget crises loom across the US, brought on by the threat of recession, many State legislatures have cut, or are contemplating cutting, funding for tobacco prevention and control programs.
In Florida, after the Tobacco Pilot program had achieved a 19% reduction in middle school smoking, the legislature slashed this highly successful program.
Stan Glantz rightly urged the Florida health community to object more loudly and more publicly. But people were reserved to speak out; perhaps they feared losing their jobs, or endangering their organizations’ tax-free status.
And, by 2001, despite a 50% reduction in middle school smoking, funding to Florida’s Pilot Program was never fully restored. Worse, only a very small handful of States have used a portion of their settlement money to fund tobacco prevention programs meeting the minimum levels recommended by the CDC.
It's clear that there is a strong need to encourage, educate and empower those working within the health community to become more outspoken.
This panel will let attendees know what is possible on the job and off, and offer them strategies which will enable their voices to be heard, loudly and clearly, without risking their jobs, or the tax status of the groups they work for.
Attend this session for an educational and informative discussion on how those in the health community can make a real difference.
Learn from our distinguished panel what strategies can -- and can't -- be used to fight back against Big Tobacco's power and influence. It's time to join hands, and work together for a tobaccofree society.
Back to Finding Our Voices: The Need To Become More Outspoken—What's Possible, What's Not
Back to Media and Communications Strategies
Back to The 2002 National Conference on Tobacco or Health