On March 18th, the ALERT project held a focused session on policy advocacy. But what does “policy advocacy” mean? We asked our ALERT community members from Boyle Heights and Long Beach and they said:

Opinions varied. Some said it meant passing propositions and regulations. Others making petitions and demands. Still others suggest changes to laws, enforcement of existing laws and regulations and even concrete impacts, like the rerouting of pollution-causing trucks away from residential neighborhoods. In addition, the group mentioned:

• Improving the environment
• Diverting power plants from community and schools
• More transparency in the land use
• No more schools near freeways
• Entrances and exits established

Why is this important? If you don’t really understand what policy advocacy is, how are you going to articulate for policies and programs to change things?

Thinking about – defining – and writing down YOUR “policy advocacy” is the first step of a the process that leads to change.

What does “policy advocacy” mean to you? Leave a comment and let us know!

Suggsted Resources:
ALERT Project