Learning Objectives: Describe the components of an effective, Tobacco Retailer Licensing Communications kit. Attendees will also be able to identify the steps required to implement Communications kit strategies at the local level.
Abstract: Introduction/Objective: A communications kit titled, “A guide for Local Action: Tobacco Retailer Licensing Communication and Information Kit” was developed in July 2001, to help provide consistent messaging throughout the state in support of media advocacy and community mobilization efforts of a growing number of local tobacco control organizations attempting to promote ordinances requiring California tobacco retailers to have a revocable license or permit.
Methods: The kit was designed to serve as both a media action guide and as a resource to educate community leaders about tobacco retailer licensing. A significant portion was devoted to issue framing and background materials along with supporting research studies. The kit was also developed as a precursor to a more comprehensive statewide educational campaign effort surrounding the tobacco retail environment. Elements of the Communications Kit have been woven into the larger STORE (Strategic Tobacco Retail Effort) campaign that will be released in May 2002.
Results: Nearly 200 copies of the kit were distributed to all projects funded by the California Department of Health Services, Tobacco Control Section. These came at a critical time for several agencies that were just beginning to develop strategies for their tobacco retailer licensing campaigns. For example, in Santa Barbara, tobacco control advocates were able to use the Communication Kit’s key messages to help augment their successful effort to pass a local tobacco retailer licensing ordinance.
Conclusions: Follow-up phone surveys are currently being conducted to assess the impact of the Communications Kit in local media and community outreach efforts. Results and conclusions will be ready and provided during the oral presentation of this topic.
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