Mobilizing the Next Generation of Health Advocates: Building Our Collective Capacity to Advocate for Health Education and Health Equity Through SOPHE Advocacy Summits

Abstract

In this Career Development commentary, the author highlights the benefits of attending the Society for Public Health Education Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. Advocacy is an increasingly necessary skill that allows health educators to advance both the field of public health and their own career development as professionals. Students and practitioners from diverse health education settings get to connect with other professionals, attend skill-building workshops, and increase their ability to influence health policy. From a career development perspective, the Summit provides opportunities to develop professional networks, gain experience and continuing education in several areas of responsibility for health education specialists, and share lessons learned with colleagues in health education and public health.