Advocates

Advocates, or “Torchbearers,” are critical components of the Florida Fights FASD campaign. Together we can work to overcome one of the most critical health concerns facing local communities today. Ideal Torchbearers are individuals, businesses, associations, organizations and other groups with an interest in addressing concerns related to alcohol, women’s issues, maternal and child health and families (including the role of men). Torchbearers can help promote healthy behaviors among women in the community, provide health education and other services. We are always recruiting torchbearers for the Florida Fights FASD campaign to help generate awareness, advocate for prevention and promote education within their local communities.

If you are interested in becoming a torchbearer or getting involved in the Florida Fights FASD campaign, please click HERE to complete the Torchbearer Registration Form  online! You can contact Kristie Skoglund, Florida Fights FASD project coordinator at (800) 587-1385 or Kristie.Skoglund@TheFloridaCenter.org if you have any additional questions.

Target advocates/champions include but are not limited to:

• Neighborhood groups and community centers such as libraries, charities, shelters and food pantries
• Local health departments that have experience promoting healthy behavior
• Civic organizations such as the Junior League, Women’s Clubs, PTOs, Chambers of Commerce, Kiwanis or Rotary Club
• Recreation businesses such as restaurants, bars, movie theaters and video stores that can distribute public education materials
• Consumer outlets such as grocery stores, farmers’ markets, department stores, beauty salons and barber shops that can assist with promotional activities
• Business groups such as local photocopy shops and printers that can help duplicate materials
• Faith-based organizations and individual members who often play leading roles in community health efforts
• Employers who can reach various population segments ranging from farm workers to military personnel, from university and public school employees to local government staff members
• Coalitions and advocacy groups focused on women’s health issues
• Local media, including print and broadcast outlets, transit and outdoor outlets and the Internet. that can maximize placement of messages
• Provider organizations that employ medical, social service and health education professionals who can distribute materials and provide additional education and counseling
• Medical groups, such as local Medical Societies and group practices of family-practice physicians, obstetricians, gynecologists and pediatricians.

The role of a Florida Fights FASD Torchbearer:

During the Florida Fights FASD Community Action Summit – held on October 20 – 21, in Tallahassee – program topics and speakers focused on educating and uniting torchbearers and providing the information, materials and support needed to execute the campaign within local communities.   We need the commitment of motivated advocates to help make this campaign a success and ultimately reduce the prevalence of FASD in Florida.

Torchbearer Roles and Responsibilities may include:

• Commit to being a champion for the cause.
• Utilize and distribute Florida Fights FASD campaign materials to educate community members, increase awareness, share prevention messages and broaden local support.
• Recruit other torchbearers and strategic partners to support the cause.
• Coordinate networking opportunities and other community activities to increase awareness of FASD.
• Work with organizations (either your own or others within the community) and encourage inclusion of FASD articles or messages in newsletters and/or on relevant websites (including adding a link to the Florida Fights FASD website).
• Participate in community events, such as health fairs and related activities.
• Conduct presentations to local businesses, associations and community groups, such as women’s clubs, Junior Leagues, Kiwanis, Rotary, Exchange, Lions, Shriners, Chambers of Commerce and PTOs.
• Contact local media for news coverage and/or ad placement.
• Provide recommendations for resources (professional, informational, etc.).