Goal: Demonstrate the ability to advocate for public health issues.

Overview: Advocacy is defined as “the actions or endeavors individuals or groups engage in- in order to alter public opinion in favor or in opposition to a certain policy.” (Pinzon-Perez & Perez, 1999, p. 29). Your assignment is to pick a public health policy or issue that you are passionate about. Write a letter to the editor (LTE) to attempt to alter public opinion on your issue.

Your LTE should follow the criteria for effective advocacy messages, such as take a clear position, support the position with accurate information, indicate awareness of the audience, and demonstrate passion/conviction.