Abstract
Background: This article described the contents of the seminar, “developing skills for mobilizing advocacy” and proposed future challenges based on discussions during the seminar.
Contents: The seminar consisted of an instructor-led presentation on advocacy, a group work (to determine advocacy issues and formulate advocacy strategies), and participants' presentations about advocacy strategies. The instructor-led presentation was given by using the advocacy action model in a worksheet, which covered the primary model for advocacy skills and related imperatives. After making seven groups (2 unhealthy diet, 1 harmful use of alcohol, 3 physical inactivity, 1 tobacco use), group discussions were conducted using the model. The participants determined advocacy issues, formulated advocacy strategies following the actions on the worksheet, and each group presented its strategies.
Conclusion: Participants understood the advocacy model and made seven presentations about four health promotion issues; unhealthy diet, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity, and tobacco use. Discussion is more needed on how the Japanese Society of Health Education and Promotion -Youth Division will work on the advocacy. The young researchers should know more about what they can do and what they need to do to strengthen their advocacy skills.
