Learning Objectives: State types of policies that can be enacted in community based, municipal, and business organizations and event venues, to help organizations resist tobacco industry funding.
Abstract: Objective: In recent years, tobacco corporations have increased their funding for community-based organizations. The purpose of this research is to assess the types of voluntary policies that have been enacted to inoculate organizations against tobaccco industry support.
Methods: The Tobacco Industry Monitoring Evaluation (TIME) Project has compiled a database of voluntary policies passed by organizations in California to decline tobacco industry sponsorship, refuse tobacco philanthropy, or to keep portions of community based events or sites free from tobacco smoking. Most of these policies were the result of outreach efforts by local anti-tobacco advocates and coalitions. Many of these groups were participating in a statewide initiative, Project SMART (Sponsorship Mission: Avoid Reliance on Tobacco) Money, to counter industry funding. Analysis of this collection demonstrates widespread diffusion of the policy enactment concept at the community organization level.
Results: Since 1994, 210 policies have been passed, in organizations located in 36 different counties. The types of organizations involved were predominantly fairs, rodeo and racing organizations, chambers of commerce, health and human service organizations, youth groups, arts organizations, and event or sports venues. The types of policies will be presented, with examples representing a wide variety of commitments by local groups.
Discussion: These policies raise local awareness about tobacco company influence and move organizations along a continuum from awareness of the issues to action steps that both protect their constituencies and require them to affirm their positions through policies. This presentation will be applicable to a wide variety of organizations working at the local and statewide level working to counter tobacco industry funding.
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