CADCA Географический альянс за справедливость в отношении здоровья (GHEA) recently partnered with Onjewel Smith от American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation (ANRF) to host “Clearing the Air: Steps to Going Smokefree”. This webinar offered coalitions practical advice on the steps to pursuing a local clean indoor air ordinance.
Enacting a local smokefree indoor air law is the best way to protect people from secondhand smoke exposure. Local ordinance campaigns should educate the community about the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure and the benefits of smokefree environments. The most successful smokefree campaigns are carefully planned and can take years to fully execute. Rushing into a campaign may be tempting, but it is important to lay the groundwork and follow the necessary planning steps before jumping in with both feet.
BENEFITS OF EFFECTIVE CAMPAIGNS
Every campaign is different, but the benefits of running a well-organized campaign are the same:
- An Informed Community. Help the community understand that secondhand smoke exposure is more than just a nuisance – it is hazardous to public health and everyone has a right to smokefree environments.
- Ease of Enactment. It is easier to pass laws when there is no effective opposition from the commercial tobacco industry itself and its allies. An effective campaign helps to dispel myths about smokefree environments and reduce opposition to policy change.
- Greater Compliance. Compliance with local laws is more likely when a community has gone through the process and is prepared for the change.
- Ease of Enforcement. Because there is a high rate of awareness of and compliance with local laws, they are fairly easy to enforce.
- Greater Public Support. Smokefree laws are popular. Changing society’s attitudes isn’t easy. It takes a combined, simultaneous approach of education and legislation. For the most part, local ordinances don’t pass unless and until a majority of the community supports them.
STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SMOKEFREE CAMPAIGN
A successful campaign effort requires a lot of planning and organization. The public needs to be educated about the health dangers of secondhand smoke and their right to breathe smokefree air in their workplaces and in indoor public places. The coalition should work together with the local stakeholders to strategize for the campaign. Success depends on engagement from a broad-based coalition of stakeholders working with a purpose. There is no fail-proof formula for a successful campaign, but here are some tips for giving your campaign a winning chance!
1 - ASSESS CURRENT LAWS
Find out what the current smokefree law is in your community. In some instances, there may be no laws whatsoever relating to smoking control, in which case you will be starting with a clean slate.
2 - FORM A COALITION
Strong coalitions accurately reflect your community. They are broad and inclusive, with meaningful representation of the people and organizations most affected by secondhand smoke in workplaces, multi-unit housing, and public venues.
3 - ESTABLISH A DATABASE OF SUPPORTERS
Establish a database of contact information, not only for coalition members and supporters, but also for community organizations, business leaders, public officials, and the media. Keep names, addresses, and email information in one database. Utilize every opportunity to engage with the community to collect information. This will come in handy for your education and advocacy efforts throughout the campaign.
4 - EDUCATE YOUR COMMUNITY
Educate then legislate! Before going public with your proposed policy change, you need to lay the groundwork for it by conducting an effective public education campaign. Spend an adequate amount of time – several months to a year – on a public education campaign. Be mindful of how secondhand smoke exposure is affecting your community and develop educational messages that address those concerns. Where is secondhand smoke exposure occurring? Who is being exposed? What is the impact to your community? Your community is more likely to support a policy change once they understand WHY change is needed.
5 - GAUGE COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Public opinion surveys, asking residents how they feel about secondhand smoke and smokefree laws, are evidence of the demand for smokefree air and are persuasive to decision makers when you approach them about a proposed law.
6 - DRAFT YOUR ORDINANCE
Consult our model ordinance. Pay particular attention to common mistakes when drafting the provisions of the ordinance. Agree on deal breakers at this stage (e.g., ventilation, hours or minors provisions, trigger schemes, etc.)
7 - FIND A GOOD SPONSOR
А strong policy champion is your greatest asset. Find a city council member or board of health supervisor to sponsor the ordinance. Maintain communication with your sponsor and ensure that he or she will accurately represent your coalition goals.
SMOKEFREE AIR IS THE NEW NORMAL
Smokefree laws that are strong, simple, and fair protect the most people and are easiest to enforce. That means all workplaces and public places including restaurants, bars and casinos are 100% smokefree indoors. Smokefree means secondhand cigarette, cigar, hookah, marijuana smoke and electronic smoking device aerosol. A well-planned campaign and a strong coalition will be the best path forward.
The webinar recording и slides are now available.
