Increasing Advocacy Skills for Entry-Level Health Educators through Service Learning

Advocacy has been identified by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) as an essential skill for entry level health educators. This paper describes a project whereby service learning students partnered with a local nonprofit organization, Healthcare for All Massachusetts, to hone advocacy skills. Students photographed and interviewed people directly affected by the healthcare crisis in Massachusetts. Subsequently, students developed and disseminated a Photovoice exhibit to be used at various local and state events to advocate for affordable, quality healthcare. (publisher)