‘Students have power in numbers, and ample resources to accomplish great things’.
justiceashealing.org
‘Students have power in numbers, and ample resources to accomplish great things’
Many BUSPH students arrive on campus with a public health “dream.” That dream often takes many shapes; it could be an issue they are passionate about that led them to the program, organizations on and off-campus they want to join, work they will continue to do after graduation, and innovative ideas on advocating for change, but ask the same question: Where do I start?
Many students turn to the Activist Lab to explore and deepen their public health practice. And there are several courses in the MPH program designed to equip students with the knowledge they need to start turning their dreams and ideas into action. One of these courses is ‘Organizing and Advocacy for Health Policy Change’ taught in the fall by the Activist Lab’s Assistant Dean for Practice, David Jernigan. Professor Jernigan introduces students to the foundational elements of public health advocacy such as community organizing and campaigning for structural change. So where does this process begin? Professor Jernigan connects with each student to learn more about who they are and what they are passionate about. After some self-reflection and research, each student identifies the specific area of public health advocacy they are interested in and, with the help of Professor Jernigan’s deep network, is matched with a community organization for the semester.
In the fall of 2021, Professor Jernigan’s class worked on a broad range of issues from childhood food insecurity in Massachusetts, climate change, adolescent substance use, and immigrant health disparities. Each student partnered with a local organization such as Planned Parenthood, MA Healthcare for All, and Citizen’s Climate Lobby.
心肌梗死
“This campaign has shown me that there truly is power in numbers” shared Hankes. “When joining forces with HPLSO and the Activist Lab to hold a seminar with Building Up People Not Prisons, things moved more efficiently than when working on my own. The relationships I built this semester indicate what can come from a successful movement and give me hope for the future.” In an effort to maximize safety and accessibility, members of the SPH community were able to attend the seminar both in-person and virtually.
The success of this event proves the far reach that members of the SPH community can have when working together. Hankes states, “I see now that students not only have power in numbers but also have ample resources to accomplish great things. Students have the assistance of professors and advisors, connections with other students, access to researchers, potential to receive funding, and are a part of a community that shares similar goals.” So, whether you are just starting the program or looking for ways to further engage with the community around you, remember there is strength in numbers and power in learning from your peers.
If you are interested in learning more about FJAH or helping with the work they do, you can join the campaign or attend one of the weekly moratorium town halls. If this class and others like it sound interesting to you, reach out to your academic advisor or Professor Jernigan to start a conversation about how you can incorporate advocacy into your public health practice.