A workshop developed in partnership with

Physical Activity Policy 1

Purpose of the Webinar

By the end of the session, participants will be :

1. able to understand the value of policy development as one health promotion strategy,

2. familiar with the layout and structure of the on-line Policy Toolkit for Physical Activity, and,

3. more confident in undertaking policy change particular settings.

PARC Policy Toolkit is based on“Developing Health Promotion Policies”

From The Health Communication Unit(www.thcu.ca)

which was, in turn, adapted from:

“Making a Difference in Your Community: A Guide for Policy Change” from

OPHA

Webinar Agenda

Part 1: Policy in Context Policy as part of a

Comprehensive Health Promotion Strategy

Defining Policy – Distinguishing it from guidelines, position

The Roadmap for Policy Change

Four Types of Policy Typical Structure of a

Policy

Part 2: The Policy Toolkit Intended Users Icons Roadmap structure to

the sections Ways to use the Toolkit “Go To” sections

Scenarios / Q&A Group sharing Closing Remarks

A little about you …

NameOrganizationOne physical activity policy initiative that

you are currently working on or one you think you will be working on in the near future.

Part 1: Policy in Context

Policy can augment what you are already doing as a complementary strategy OR it can be the ultimate objective of all that you do

Policy is part of a comprehensive health promotion strategy The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion The Health Promotion “Cube”

The Health Promotion Cube Framework

Defining Policy

Canadian Oxford Dictionary (1998), defines policy as “a course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business or individual.”

Policies serve as guides to action on an issue by specifying expectations and regulations.

It is coordinated action that leads to health, income and social policies that foster greater equity. Joint action contributes to ensuring safer and healthier goods and services, healthier public services, and cleaner, more enjoyable environments.

A policy has consequences for non-compliance.

What Policy is NOT

Guidelines no “teeth” – usually voluntary

e.g. Physical Activity Guidelines e.g. CDC’s “Guidelines for School and

Community Programs to Promote Lifelong Physical Activity Among Young People”

Position or Discussion Paper these may precede a policy

Related to you -

What are some examples of rules that apply in your own home (either now or when you were growing up)?

What is/was the “consequence for non-compliance”?

Why have these rules in place?

The Value of Policies

Sustainability Equity using a population health approach Risk management Supports healthy choices

http://www.ophea.net/Ophea/PARC/loader.cfm?url=/commonspot/security/getfile.cfm&PageID=12834&CFID=1623308&CFTOKEN=63650039

A suggested process: The Roadmap for Policy Change

Hexagons are decision-points

Arrows to the right depict the process evaluation aspect

Very difficult to predict how long the process with take overall – be prepared for several years in some cases

Four Types of Policies

Health promotion policy combines diverse but complementary approaches including: Legislation fiscal measures Taxation Organizational change.

An example of each type at: http://www.ophea.net/Ophea/PARC/loader.cfm?url=/commonspot/security/getfile.cfm&PageID=12834&CFID=1623308&CFTOKEN=63650039

Typical Structure of a Policy

Rationale (“Whereas” section) See Tips at:

http://www.ophea.net/Ophea/PARC/loader.cfm?url=/commonspot/security/getfile.cfm&PageID=12834&CFID=1623308&CFTOKEN=63650039

Definitions

Components or sections / topics within the policy

Restrictions of what is and isn’t covered in the policy

Communication, Signage & Enforcement.

Some examples of policies …

British Heart Foundation – “Developing School Physical Activity Policy” http://www.bhf.org.uk/youngpeople/uploaded/Active_School_Pack-

Activity-Policy.pdf

City of Toronto’s Recreation Department’s “Welcome Policy”, available in 17 languages, provides financial assistance for programs http://www.toronto.ca/parks/welcome_policy.htm

City of Sherbrooke, Quebec’s “Sport and Physical Activity Policy”. The City of Sherbrooke will promote and support the development of sports and physical activities, contributing to the quality of life and success of Sherbrooke residents. http://ville.sherbrooke.qc.ca/fr/accueilSports/sport_en.pdf

Your turn …

Identify one of the steps in the Roadmap to Policy Change that YOU feel is a particularly important one.

Part 2: The Policy Toolkit

Developed in 2005 Structured to support the Roadmap steps Organized around 4 settings

Schools Workplaces Communities Homes

Intended Users of the Toolkit

• A health promotion professional working in an organization such as a public health unit, the occupational health area of a workplace or community health centre with a mandate to address policy change.

• A physical activity specialist, such as recreation staff, a kinesiologist, physiotherapist, fitness leader, personal trainer or academic, with an interest in complementing your work with individuals by addressing how the broader community can support people in the struggle to be more active.

• A decision-maker, such as an elected official, a school principal, a workplace manager or a senior volunteer in a non-profit organization, who has the ability and responsibility to protect the health of the population

• An individual, such as a coach, a volunteer, a teacher, or a parent, with an interest in contributing to a healthier, more active community. This could really include anyone in the community.

Questions?

Back to you …

Based on what you have seen today, how do you think you might be able to use the Toolkit in total or specific sections?

Closing Remarks

Ongoing Supports – THCU, PARCThank you’s