Examined in this week's Discussion, if you understand how a law is passed, it is more likely that your advocacy will result in new legislation.

When trying to establish a local health policy, it is important to understand the processes, procedures, and functions of your local government.

How does your municipality work? Who runs the government? Who makes the decisions? Who should you contact to influence change?

Last week, you considered policies that need to be changed or implemented in order to address the public health issue in your community.

This week, you determine which group will be involved in making your suggested policy change.

To prepare for this section of the Course Project:

• Review the Evans and Degutis article. Reflect on how you, as an advocate, can use your knowledge of the government's basic structure and processes to make your advocacy efforts more effective.

• Research your local government. Think about processes, procedures, and functions of your local government-how your municipal government works.

• Identify whether your local government is run by a city council, how many people are on the council, and whether a mayor presides over the council. If your local government is not run by a city council, determine which legislative body runs your local government.

• Think about whether you would present your selected public health issue to your city council, county board, and/or any other special boards or committees. Consider how you would present the issue to this group.

• Review the Piotrowski article. Reflect on transparency in local governments, and consider whether the work of your local government is transparent.

• Identify local representatives, and explain how local officials and members of committees are elected or selected. If elected, consider whether they are elected via ward, precinct, or by top vote.

The Project (2-3 pages)

To complete this section of your Course Project, address the following:

• Describe processes, procedures, and functions of your local government.

o Explain whether your local government is run by a city council, how many people are on the council, and whether a mayor presides over the council. If your local government is not run by a city council, describe the legislative body that runs your local government.

o Determine whether you would present your selected public health issue to your city council, county board, and/or any other boards or committees.

o Explain how you would present the issue to this group.

o Explain whether the work of your local government is transparent, and how.

o Identify your local representatives, and explain how local officials and members of committees are elected or selected.

Support your Project with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list for all resources, including those in the Learning Resources for this course.