Health Policy Ambassadors

Programs

The mission of the Lister Hill Center for Health Policy is to connect and support those seeking to improve health outcomes through policy. We understand that there are several aspects of the policy change process. We also acknowledge that there are several organizations around Birmingham already engaged in this process. In an effort to support both community-based organizations and UAB students interested in policy advocacy, we have developed the Health Policy Ambassadors program.

Health Policy Ambassadors (HPAs) work with community partners throughout the course of an academic year. HPAs work alongside their community partner to identify a policy-related issue, then develop and implement a plan to address that issue. The ultimate goal is to provide students with real-world policy advocacy experience while also supporting our partners’ goals and objectives.

Find out more about the program below!

Expectations

Health Policy Ambassadors will:

1

Commit to weekly meetings (1 hour each week) AND devote time to work on their project outside of these meetings (1-5 additional hours, depending on project status).

2

Communicate effectively and work efficiently in a virtual setting. This program is likely to remain virtual even after pandemic precautions are lifted.

3

Work with their partner to complete the following:

  • Policy Brief, Memorandum, Literature Review, or other related document, as advised by community partner.
  • Advocate/Organize for their issue with letter-writing campaigns, social media, canvassing, etc., as advised by community partner.
  • Meet with appropriate decision-makers to address the issue.

4

Represent the LHC, community partners, and UAB in a positive and engaging manner.

Timeline

Apply

  1. Apply online! Applications for the 2023-24 academic year will open in April 2023.
    Required: Resume, Writing Sample (see form for details)
  2. Applications close May 30
    Interviews with finalists throughout the month of June
  3. Decision Date: July 1

Questions and concerns may be directed to:

Sean McMahon
LHC Program Manager
seanmcmahon@uab.edu
or lhc@uab.edu.

Fall Semester: Planning

  • HPAs will spend their first meetings with their partner learning about their partner’s focus areas, discussing relevant background information, and getting to know their partner
  • After learning more about their partner’s pressing issues, HPAs will brainstorm a few “big ideas,” which they will flesh out more in the following weeks before deciding (together with their partner) which plan to ultimately work with.
  • By Thanksgiving/Fall Break, HPAs will have a plan for the remainder of the academic year and can begin working on their policy brief (or equivalent).

Spring Semester: Implementation

  • HPAs will start the spring semester reviewing their plan, their document, and adjusting as necessary.
  • Throughout the spring semester, HPAs will implement their advocacy plan and meet with appropriate decision-makers.
  • At the end of the semester, HPAs will share their experience by presenting at an official LHC event (details TBD)
22 - 23 Health Policy Ambassadors

Benefits

Students
  • $400 scholarship for the fall and spring semesters ($800 total)
  • Connections with community partners and UAB staff
  • Real-world experience engaging with policy advocacy
  • Publication of policy brief (or equivalent) and blog piece (if applicable) to the LHC website
Community Partners
  • Expanded capacity for advocacy
  • Connections with students
  • Increased visibility as a partner of the LHC
  • Support for advocacy initiatives
Lister Hill Center
  • Fulfilling our mission by connecting our partners with amazing students!

Community Partners