Policy Champions: Overcoming Advocacy Barriers

Join this session to engage with an expert panel of Policy Champions to discuss the challenges and successes of implementing state-level scholarship and advocacy to influence policy. Policy Champions are part of the School Health Map project (formerly US-PEPAP) with the goal of enhancing state-level physical education and physical activity policies that impact access to school physical education and physical activity opportunities. This session will address the challenges that Policy Champions have faced in balancing advocacy and sustaining scholarship on top of existing university responsibilities. Additionally, addressing lessons learned from policy advocacy and challenges such as legislative outreach and policy creation will be discussed. The panel will also discuss successes of collaboration, network expansion beyond typical avenues, and funding opportunities. Attendees will have opportunities to collaborate with each other and the panel to develop action items and plans that extend beyond the session.