Learning Objectives: Discuss the historical overview of the Tobacco Industry’s Philanthropic relationship with Priority populations. Explain the ethical issues inherent in determining whether or not to accept funds from the tobacco industry. Provide a balanced panel that is representative of priority population members and/or organizations that have said yes and no to tobacco funding. Assess the costs and benefits of accepting funding from the tobacco industry. Describe the differences between funds from the MSA funding stream and grants or gifts from the tobacco industry. Explain grassroots front-line strategies to counteractions to tobacco sponsorship such as developing sample board policies.
Abstract: As the tobacco industry continues to attempt to clean up its reputation, tobacco companies reach out to priority populations with offers of funding and donation of educational materials. Philip Morris, in particular, has established itself as a major funder of programs for the arts, civil rights organizations, minority chambers of commerce, HIV/AIDS, hunger, domestic violence, school corporations and cultural events.
This session will look at the ethical issues involved in taking money from the industry and stimulate discussion among panelists of the pro's and con's as well as the political and social implications. We will address the difference between taking direct grants from the industry and using money from the MSA. Also discussed will be a set of ethical guidelines developed to help community-based organizations make sound decisions about partnerships and funding.
Speakers will include priority populations, tobacco control advocates, an ethicist, and representatives from groups that have refused funding from the industry and those which have taken it.
Back to Sleeping With the Enemy: Ethics for Priority Populations Accepting Funding From the Tobacco Industry
Back to Increasing Diversity/Eliminating Disparities
Back to The 2002 National Conference on Tobacco or Health