Learning Objectives: Understand how a grass roots community collaborative approach leads to policy change; define and implement a model of community advocacy, involvement in tobacco control, and policy change; and identify effective methods of providing technical assistance and support to community partners/coalition and City departments
Abstract: A year before the passage of the California Health and Safety Code 104495 which prohibits smoking in public playgrounds and tot lots, the Partnership for Safe, Litter-free, and Smoke-free Parks in Long Beach embarked on mobilizing and educating the community about the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke on children’s health. The mobilization and educational campaign included piloting smoke-free park events at 3 of the most popular local park areas. City officials, community leaders, and over 300 families attended the events. Due to the success of the piloted smoke-free park events and pledge cards collected, the Partnership was able to increase their collaborative efforts with City Departments especially the City’s Commission of Parks, Recreation, and Marine and the City’s Health Department Tobacco Education Program for support and other forms of technical assistance. The Partnership also worked very closely with the Coalition for a Smoke-free Long Beach, increased cooperation between City government, regional team and local grass roots organizations. In January 2002, the Long Beach City Council passed an amendment to the City’s Smoking Ordinance that would prohibit smoking within 25 feet of public playgrounds and tot lots in the City, which is stronger than the Statewide law.
Back to Poster Session
Back to Public Policy and Advocacy Strategies
Back to The 2002 National Conference on Tobacco or Health