Presentation Explanation: Advocacy is often associated with policy change through legislation, but at the neighborhood level, its impact can be driven by action by neighborhood leaders. In the context of the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows (NLF), we have seen firsthand how grassroots efforts can create meaningful change. However, questions remain about how to effectively bridge advocacy education—especially in university settings—with the needs of community leaders to tackle systematic issues that result in neighborhood inequities This session will explore how neighborhood-based advocacy can align with university protocols while addressing the pressing needs of local leaders. We’ll share examples of advocacy, from policy discussions to grassroots efforts to legislation, that have driven positive outcomes such as increased community engagement, empowerment, and tangible improvements effecting the social determinants of health like housing, vacancy and education in the St. Louis region. We will also delve into the challenges of engaging diverse stakeholders, overcoming communication gaps with decision makers, and ensuring the sustainability of advocacy efforts. Insights from NLF projects will illuminate both the successes and the ongoing hurdles. Finally, we will gather feedback from participants to understand their perspectives, fostering an open dialogue about strategies and where improvements are needed. This feedback loop will help refine our approach, ensuring advocacy efforts remain dynamic, responsive, and impactful. By the end of this session, participants will have a deeper understanding of neighborhood advocacy, how to navigate university protocols, and strategies to overcome challenges, while gaining practical insights that can be applied to their work. Overall Description: This session will explore how neighborhood-based advocacy can align with university protocols to address local challenges. Using the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows (NLF) program as a model, we’ll highlight successful grassroots efforts that have driven change in areas like housing and public safety in the St. Louis region. Participants will learn from alumni-driven projects, discuss challenges such as engaging diverse community members and ensuring sustainability, and gain practical insights on overcoming these barriers. The session will also gather feedback from participants to refine advocacy strategies, ensuring they remain responsive, effective, and impactful at the neighborhood level.
