Learning Objectives: Describe how to develop student advocacy skills using collaboration of community and campus partners in a class learning experience.
Abstract: This presentation will describe a novel approach to develop university student activism about campus tobacco policy measures, using community learning projects. These projects were done as part of an undergraduate class offered through the School of Community Health at Portland State University. The course was designed to help students understand issues of environment and policy as they relate to cancer prevention. The Student Health Service and the Tobacco Prevention Program of the Multnomah County Health Department helped design the course and worked with students on tobacco policy projects.
Four groups were identified to work on tobacco use by college students: 1)smoke-free housing, 2)updating and enforcing tobacco policy on campus, 3)designated smoking areas and the physical campus environment, and 4)tobacco promotion in bars. Project reports included problem statements, action plans, strategy analysis and media approaches. Students found that change occurred in reaction to their initial questions, and were able to observe advocacy from other student tobacco activists during the term. Final recommendations of the groups form a basis for future student involvement and some of the students have indicated interest in continuing work to implement their plans.
Collaboration among these community partners is offered as a model for developing student interest and advocacy skills for tobacco policy and other public health issues in the college population.
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