Advocacy Participation Research Articles

How Does the Comprehensive Social Public Participation Affect Perceptions of Social Justice?

This study reveals the complex effects of the government service perception and different types of the comprehensive social public participation on the comprehensive perception of social justice and its sub-dimensions through OLS regression. Specifically, we find that the government service perception exhibits extremely significant and robust positive effects in all models. At the same time, the impact of different types of the comprehensive social public participation on perceptions of social equity shows significant variability. Rights advocacy participation demonstrates a negative effect in the model of the sense of legal and opportunity equality. This finding that suggests we need to further examine and optimize the advocacy mechanisms. The negative role of communication engagement in all sub-dimension models reveals the inadequacy of information transfer and communication mechanisms in building social trust. In contrast, the positive effect of community participation in the model of the sense of legal and opportunity equality highlights the positive role of communities in promoting social fairness, while the overall positive effect of electoral participation, although weakly significant in some sub-dimensions, suggests the potential value of the electoral system in enhancing the sense of social fairness.

The Value of a Nurse's Voicein Political Discourse.

Nurse leaders have an important opportunity to develop and support nurses' participation in public policy and advocacy. Many issues today are healthcare related and would benefit from a nurse's perspective. There are many opportunities for nurses to engage in policy but voting is the most basic and important action we can take.

Giving Voice: Examining the Tactical Repertoires of Nonprofit Advocacy for Disadvantaged Populations

Abstract Representation is an important role of the nonprofit sector as these organizations can give voice to the priorities of their constituents. This is particularly important for disadvantaged communities that may lack access to traditional democratic processes. What advocacy tactics are most utilized by nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged populations? Given variation in nonprofit advocacy tactics, which tactics are perceived as most effective? To answer these questions, we look to the framework of tactical repertoires from sociological studies of social movements. Analysis of a survey of New England nonprofits (N = 656, 55 % response rate) indicates that nonprofits serving disadvantaged populations use similar tactics to organizations advocating for other constituencies but employ them at higher rates. These tactics cluster into three tactical repertoires, each a different combination of advocacy tactics. Perceptions of advocacy effectiveness are associated with the size and nature of tactical repertoires, client participation in advocacy, government funding, and perceptions of the policy environment.

Difficulties and challenges experienced by nurses in eldercare institutions in Albania: A qualitative content analysis.

The global and Albanian populations of elderly people are steadily increasing. It is estimated that the number of elderly adults requiring care in Albania will rise from 90.9 thousand to 130.4 thousand by 2030. Despite the envisaged increase in the number and life expectancy of the elderly population in Albania, which will result in an increased demand for nursing care, little is known about the difficulties and challenges that nurses face while providing care for elderly Albanian individuals. To explore the difficulties and challenges nurses experience while caring for elderly people in Albanian eldercare institutions. The study employed a qualitative design using purposive sampling of 20 nurses in 8 eldercare institutions who participated in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and subsequently subjected to analysis using Graneheim and Lundman's qualitative conventional content analysis. Data analysis was supported by the qualitative data analysis software MAXQDA 2020. The reporting of this study followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. Five key categories emerged from data analysis: (1) professional difficulties, (2) educational difficulties, (3) relationship challenges, (4) increased mental stress, and (5) participation in advocacy. This study showed that nursing staff experienced many barriers, challenges, and unmet needs when implementing care for elderly people in long-term care facilities. The findings indicate that nurses working in eldercare institutions faced significant challenges in caring for elderly people. Nurses need more legal, financial, educational, and emotional support. The study indicates that more organizational and national support is necessary for nursing staff to care for elderly people in eldercare Albanian institutions properly. Eldercare institution leaders need to recognize the importance of their role in overcoming the barriers and providing adequate support for their staff in caring for elderly people.

A NOVEL NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVER ADVOCACY TRAINING PROGRAM: LESSONS LEARNED

Abstract The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers recommended 24 legislative or policy changes to improve the national caregiving landscape. With basic training, unpaid family caregivers (CG) can be powerful stakeholder advocates to drive policy change. In collaboration with national caregiver advocacy organizations, the University of Pittsburgh National Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Family Support hosted a Family Caregiver Advocacy Program (FCAP) with the educational objectives of increasing CG motivation, self-efficacy for, and participation in policy advocacy. FCAP is a series of virtual workshops for family caregivers on caregiving-related policies, how laws are written and passed, how caregiver advocates can inform the policy-making process, how to contact and meet with legislators, and how to tell their story to advocate for change. Caregivers (n=68) enrolled in the inaugural FCAP workshops participated over a 3-month period to develop and implement group-selected advocacy products. FCAP participants ranged from 20-29 to 70+ years old, were primarily women (88%) caring for individuals who are aging (65%), have a physical disability (41%), have an intellectual / developmental disability (27%), and / or have a mental illness (27%). This presentation will report on the CG products and outcomes and plans for future iterations of FCAP based on lessons learned.

Policy education in a research-focused doctoral nursing program: Power as knowing participation in change.

Nurses have moral obligations incurred by membership in the profession to participate knowingly in health policy advocacy. Many barriers have historically hindered nurses from realizing their potential to advance health policy. The contemporary political context sets additional challenges to policy work due to polarization and conflict. Nursing education can help nurses recognize their role in advancing health through political advocacy in a manner that is consistent with disciplinary knowledge and ethical responsibilities. In this paper, the authors describe an exemplar of Elizabeth Barrett's "Power as Knowing Participation in Change" theory as a disciplinary lens within a doctoral nursing health policy course. Barrett (radically) emphasizes "power as freedom" instead of "power as control." This approach is congruent with nursing disciplinary values and enhances awareness of personal freedom and building collaborative relationships in the policy process. The theory was used in concert with other traditional policy content and frameworks from nursing and other disciplines. We discuss the role of nursing ethics viewed as professional responsibility for policy action, an overview of Barrett's theory, and the design of the course. Four student reflections on how the course influenced their thinking about policy advocacy are included. While not specific to policymaking, Barrett's theory provides a disciplinary grounding to increase students' awareness of freedom and choices in political advocacy participation. Our experience suggests that Barrett's work can be fruitful for enhancing nurses' awareness of choices to participate in change across settings.

Online Activism and Political Knowledge among Nigerian Youth during the 2023 Elections: Analyzing the Role of Online Information Sources

This study appraises the nexus between online activism, political knowledge, and the mediating influence of diverse online information sources among Nigerian youth during the 2023 elections. Through an analysis of these relationships, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of digital spaces' role in shaping young individuals' political awareness. Specifically, this study examines whether engagement in online activism during the 2023 Nigerian elections positively correlates with increased levels of political knowledge among Nigerian youth and whether the extent of exposure to diverse online information sources mediates the influence of engagement in online activism on political knowledge. This study employs a quantitative approach incorporating techniques such as Pearson’s correlation and mediation analysis. Data were collected through an online survey of 409 Nigerian youth aged 18–35. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between online activism and political knowledge, substantiating the hypothesis that active participation in digital advocacy enhances political awareness among Nigerian youths. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that exposure to diverse online information sources mediates the relationship between engagement in online activism and political knowledge, emphasizing the role of online platforms as conduits for political information and awareness. These findings underscore the pivotal role of online platforms in shaping the political knowledge landscape of Nigerian youth during the 2023 elections.

Engaging Appalachian Youth: Lessons Learned From a Virtual Tobacco Prevention and Advocacy Training.

Engaging youth is recommended as a key component of comprehensive tobacco control to bring voice to youth perspective and to connect to community impact. Yet, limited research exists to showcase practical lessons learned in supporting skill development and engagement of youth. This practice note describes how a tailored prevention and advocacy virtual training can serve to engage and empower rural Appalachian high school students to participate in tobacco control efforts. Specifically, we describe the implementation and practical lessons learned from a two-session virtual tobacco prevention and advocacy training led by college facilitators. Participating high school students (N = 20) strongly agreed that tobacco use was a major problem facing their community and that addressing tobacco use should be prioritized. After participating in the training, students' interpersonal confidence improved and participation in self-reported advocacy increased. Students also liked the virtual platform, interaction with college students, and the opportunity to apply information learned. Youth-focused tailored training promotes skill-building and enhances self-efficacy to engage in tobacco control. Youth engagement should be integral to supporting community health initiatives, including tobacco prevention.

EMPOWERING YOUTH: BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR TOMORROW

This abstract explores the imperative of empowering youth as a pivotal strategy for establishing a robust foundation for the future. In an ever-evolving global landscape characterized by technological advancements, shifting socioeconomic dynamics, and complex challenges, the role of youth in shaping and driving positive change cannot be understated. This abstract delves into various dimensions of empowering youth, encompassing education, skill development, civic engagement, and mental well-being. The abstract underscores the significance of education as a cornerstone of youth empowerment, emphasizing the need for innovative and inclusive educational approaches that equip young individuals with adaptable skills, critical thinking abilities, and digital literacy. By addressing the unique needs and aspirations of young people, societies can foster an environment that nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning. Furthermore, the abstract discusses the pivotal role of skill development in enhancing youth empowerment, particularly in the context of a rapidly evolving job market. Initiatives that provide training in emerging fields, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills can equip youth with the tools they need to navigate a competitive landscape and contribute meaningfully to economic growth. Civic engagement emerges as another essential facet of youth empowerment, as young voices are catalysts for social change and progress. Encouraging active participation in community development, policy discussions, and advocacy empowers youth to shape the direction of their societies, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. The abstract also addresses the critical importance of prioritizing youth mental well-being. With rising stressors and uncertainties, creating supportive environments that address mental health challenges is imperative. By offering accessible mental health services, promoting resilience, and reducing stigma, societies can ensure that the youth are equipped to handle the complexities of the modern world. Ultimately, this abstract underscores the symbiotic relationship between empowering youth and building a strong foundation for tomorrow. By investing in their education, skills, engagement, and well-being, societies can harness the untapped potential of youth to drive sustainable development, innovation, and positive societal transformation. Through comprehensive and strategic efforts, empowering youth becomes not only an ethical imperative but a pragmatic strategy for shaping a prosperous and resilient future.

Torture survivors who engage in advocacy in the U.S.: Review, characteristics and policy implications.

Despite facing many challenges, some survivors of torture seeking asylum in the U.S. have courageously engaged in advocacy efforts to bring attention to human rights issues relevant to their own personal experiences. This study sought to add to our understanding of the characteristics of survivors who engage in advocacy in comparison with those who do not. We analyzed demographic, social, and psychological quantitative data collected from survivors (n=730) connected to a support agency that regularly facilitates advocacy events using between-groups t-tests and regression analyses. Based on theory, clinical insights, and past research around survivor advocacy we predicted that participation in advocacy would be associated with and predicted by factors indicating lower levels of trauma-related symptoms and higher social power and stability. We found no significant difference in clinical symptoms or most demographic or social characteristics between advocacy participants (n=75) and non-participants. However, advocacy participants had spent significantly more time in the U.S. and were less likely to have had employment authorization at time of service intake, and were more likely to be male, compared to non-participants. Without controlling for other demographic factors, higher spirituality and not having been detained at entry to the U.S. also predicted advocacy participation. Our findings suggest that, despite some patterns of difference indicating greater stability and access to power (e.g., being male, having more time in the U.S., more daytime availability, a strong sense of spirituality, and less experience of detention in the U.S.), survivor-advocates are diverse and not consistently differentiated from non-advocates by specific characteristics. Thus, we find no evidence to support using psychological or demographic indicators as a "screening" criterion for selecting advocacy candidates. We contend that it is important to adopt a gender-inclusive approach in providing wider opportunities that help more survivors overcome potential (racial, socio-economic, mental health, etc.) barriers to engagement, and to pay close attention to who is being left out of advocacy opportunities.

The Impact of Moving Beyond Intersection to Integration of LGBTQIA+ Identities on Professional Identity Affirmation

There have been active calls within pharmacy education literature for the profession to work toward dismantling systemic oppression by elevating the voices of commonly underrepresented and marginalized communities, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual(LGBTQIA+) community. There has also been a simultaneously growing interest in understanding how the intersection of one’s personal identity with one’s professional identity may help to foster greater affirmation within the profession. However, what has not been explored is how intersecting personal and professional identities may enhance the strength of one’s LGBTQIA+ identity and therefore result in creating cultures of affirmation in addition to meaningful participation in professional advocacy. We link our lived experiences to a theoretical perspective through the minority stress model to demonstrate how distal and proximal stresses may affect pharmacy professionals’ ability to fully integrate their professional and personal identities. Additionally, we call on the academy to strategically address gaps in LGBTQIA+ knowledge, equity, and professional development through research, shifts in culture, and education.

Health Policy Views and Political Advocacy of Arthroplasty Surgeons: A Survey of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Members

BackgroundThe American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) is the largest specialty society for arthroplasty surgeons in the United States and is dedicated to education, research, and advocacy. The purpose of this study was to identify the health policy views of AAHKS members and better characterize their advocacy participation. MethodsA 22 question survey was electronically distributed multiple times via email link to all 3,638 United States members of AAHKS who were in practice or training in 2022. Study results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. ResultsThere were 311 responses (9%), with 18% of respondents being within 5 years of practice and 38% having more than 20 years of practice. Respondents identified as Republicans (40%), Independents (37%), and Democrats (21%). Top policy issues included preserving physician reimbursement and equitable fee schedule representation (95%), the burden of prior authorization (53%), the impact of Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services regulations (39%), and medical liability and tort reform (39%). Members ranked maintaining appropriate physician reimbursement (44%) and advocating for patients (37%) as the top benefits to participation in advocacy. A majority of respondents (81%) stated that they spend more time on presurgery optimization now than 10 years ago. The most common barrier to advocacy participation was a lack of time (77%). ConclusionResponding AAHKS members are well-informed, politically engaged, patient-oriented, and eager for a voice in policy decisions that affect the professional future of arthroplasty surgeons. These results can be used to help direct strategic efforts of the AAHKS Advocacy Committee to further increase advocacy efforts.

Energizing and depleting? The daily effects of organizationally focused citizenship behaviors

PurposePrior research suggests that organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) can have both positive and negative effects on employees; however, it is unclear about the mediating mechanisms of this relationship and how the effects of challenging and supportive OCB may differ. Drawing on the dual-pathway model of proactivity and OCB research, the authors derive a theoretical model that attempts to reveal how different types of employees' daily organizationally focused citizenship behaviors can affect employees.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examine the relationships using a daily-diary study using experience sampling methodology (ESM). The survey includes 72 employees who completed three surveys a day for 10 working days resulting in 614 daily observations.FindingsThe authors find that advocacy participation increases perceptions of prosocial impact, which in turn increases daily job satisfaction; the authors also find that advocacy participation decreases ego depletion, which then reduces daily job stress. Daily voice likewise increases perceptions of prosocial impact, which in turn increases daily job satisfaction; however, unlike advocacy participation, voice increases ego depletion, which then increases daily job stress.Originality/valueThe study is one of the first studies to simultaneously examine the personal perceptions and emotions of engaging in daily organizationally focused OCB and recognize the fact that different types of prosocial behavior have differential outcomes. The authors also extend prior research by documenting the mechanisms by which OCB impacts employees.

Identifying Accessibility Improvement Opportunities for Global Environmental Communication Websites

Digital environmental information presented with low web accessibility reduces participation in environmental advocacy and information seeking behaviors for many people with disabilities, creating a consequential digital divide. We use WEB AIM computer automated analysis of web accessibility to assess the general accessibility of online environmental communication messages. Results show 95.3% of the popular websites in our sample had indicators of potentially critical accessibility errors. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing digital environmental information accessibility shortcomings so that educational, informational and persuasive environmental messages can increase environmental literacy of vulnerable populations and help to bridge the digital divide.

Physician Advocacy: Identifying Motivations for Work Beyond Clinical Practice.

Advocacy is a perceived social and professional obligation of physicians. However, many feel their training and practice environment do not support increased engagement in advocacy. The aim of this qualitative project was to delineate the role that advocacy plays in physicians' careers and the factors driving physician engagement in advocacy. Physicians engaged in health advocacy in Kansas were identified by personal contacts and referrals through snowball sampling. They received a standardized email invitation to participate in a short interview. These interviews were recorded and transcribed using Apple Voice Memos and Google Dictation. Two team members independently identified themes from interview transcripts, while a third member served as a moderator if themes identified were dyssynchronous. Of the 19 physicians invited to participate, 13 were interviewed. The most common reasons for engaging in advocacy included the desire to change policy, obligation to go beyond regular clinic duties, giving patients a voice, and avoiding burnout. Physicians reported passion for patients and past experiences with disparities as the most common inspiration. Most physicians did not receive formal advocacy training, but identified professional societies and peers as informal guides. Common supports for advocacy were professional organizations, community partners, and employers. Time was the most common barrier to conducting advocacy work. Physicians have a broad number of reasons for the importance of doing advocacy work, but identify key professional barriers to further engagement. Providing accessible opportunities through professional organizations and community partnerships may increase advocacy participation.

Pediatric dentists' participation in advocacy and acceptance of new medicaid children in clinical practice.

IntroductionAdvocacy involves promoting a noble cause or voicing on behalf of a program, policy, or population group. Previous literature shows that dentists who provide services to Medicaid-enrolled, underserved, and vulnerable children are more compassionate than those who do not.AimTo explore the association between pediatric dentists' (PDs) participation in various advocacy-related activities (ARAs) and their monthly acceptance of new Medicaid-enrolled children in their clinical practice to provide dental care services.MethodsA 14-item pilot-tested survey was created on the SurveyMonkey® online platform and emailed to 5591 PDs, active American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry members. Data from 789 PD respondents were analyzed. Frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to describe the sample. Independent t-tests and chi-square tests assessed the differences between PDs accepting new Medicaid-enrolled children in their clinical practice every month vs. PDs who did not. A multivariable adjusted logistic regression model determined if there was an association between PDs' participation in ARAs and their acceptance of new Medicaid-enrolled children in their clinical practice, controlling for other independent variables.ResultsThe mean number of different ARAs performed by PDs was 2.2 ± 1.8. Approximately 65% reported that they accepted new Medicaid-enrolled children every month in their dental clinic to provide dental care services. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that the odds of a PD accepting new Medicaid-enrolled children every month increased by 13% for each additional unit increase in ARA completed, with other variables being held constant (Odds ratio: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03–1.25, p = 0.01).ConclusionPDs who performed more ARAs had greater odds of accepting new Medicaid-enrolled children into their dental practice every month. Education and training in oral health advocacy during dental education for dental students may promote performing ARAs and providing dental care services to Medicaid patients after graduation.

The Significance of 501(c) Status Among Environmental Nonprofits Engaged in Oil and Gas Policy Debates

This paper examines the advocacy activities of 30 environmental nonprofits engaged in oil and gas policy debates. Because 501(c)(3) organizations are restricted or prohibited from engaging in certain types of advocacy, the literature typically considers 501(c)(3) organizations service providers and 501(c)(4)s advocacy organizations. This study looks at whether this dichotomy holds among a group of organizations that actively advocates and examines the implications of 501(c) status. Data come from surveys of organizations active in hydraulic fracturing policy debates, along with organizations’ Form 990s and websites. Results obtained through statistical analyses and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) indicate that the environmental nonprofits actively advocate and report doing so relatively effectively. Furthermore, this research uncovers new patterns in advocacy tactics and the organizations that use them by analyzing advocacy participation and effectiveness separately and through QCA.

Is computer-mediated communication more powerful than face-to-face discussion in mobilizing political participation? A study examines participation in electoral campaigns and political advocacy in Taiwan

ABSTRACT Using a representative Taiwan sample from the 2019 Asia Barometer Survey, this study investigated the effect of political interest on two types of political participation (i.e., participation in electoral campaigns and political advocacy) based on the communication mediation model. Findings showed that three communication channels (i.e., news involvement, on-line political expression, and off-line political discussion) mediate the positive relationship between political interest and participation through different paths. When people are more interested in politics, they will be more likely to read political news, leading to more on-line political expression, which then motivates higher level of political participation. In parallel, political interest could also increase political participation first through news involvement and then through off-line political discussion. More importantly, compared with the total indirect effects on participation in electoral campaigns, political interest could exert stronger indirect effect on participation in political advocacy through the three communication channels under study. In addition, the mediating effect of on-line political expression is more powerful than off-line political discussion in mobilizing participation in political advocacy. However, in terms of participation in electoral campaigns, indirect effect through on-line and off-line communication showed no significant difference. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Doing the Right Something: A Grounded Theory Approach to Understanding Advocacy and Allyship Among College Students

The purpose of this study was to develop a substantive theory using a grounded theory approach to describe the development of advocacy and ally-ship among college students with marginalized identities. Findings support that participation in advocacy and allyship is a continuously evolving and messy process of becoming aware, educating self, exploring beliefs, feeling connected, experiencing affirmation, and navigating viewpoints, which all underscore the core category: Doing the Right Something.

K-pop as a Social Movement: Case Study of BTS and Their Fandom ARMY

This study investigates K-pop and K-pop fandom as an ongoing social movement. With popular South Korean group BTS as a case study, I examine how their fans join together and use collective action to create social change. My research answered three primary questions: (1) “How have K-pop fans been involved in societal causes prior to their recent surge in activism in 2020?,” (2) “To what extent does K-pop represent a social movement?,” and (3) “Do either K-pop music or the artists themselves contribute to fan participation in social advocacy, and if so, how?” I find that K-pop fans do constitute a social movement due to their use of extra-institutional tactics, based on John Fiske’s (1992) concept of fandom as “subversive by design,” Henry Jenkins’ (1992) participatory fan culture framework, and Social Movement Theory (King, 2011). I also further Yoon’s (2017) thesis that pop culture can give those who face a lack of resources and authority a means to challenge the status quo, emphasizing K-pop fans’ innovative use of social media mobilization. By explaining how K-pop and its fans can be understood as a social movement, my research rethinks how we consider K-pop fandom and at the same time encourages K-pop fans to continue their activism work and to expand further. Through a literature review and my own observations framed by theories, I conclude that K-pop fans demonstrate potential to be a powerful force for social change.