comm of color

Communities of Color & Clean Indoor Air Policies:Challenges & Opportunities: 

Communities of Color & Clean Indoor Air Policies: Challenges & Opportunities Elva Yañez The Praxis Project November 2002

Overview: 

Overview Research Findings Analysis & Interpretation Challenges to Overcome Recommendations: Tactics Recommendations: Data Policy Advocacy Framework Grassroots Approach Conclusions

Research: 

Research Secondhand Smoke (SHS) Exposure Rates Among Racial/Ethnic Groups

SHS Exposure Data SourcesSource: CDC Tobacco Information andPrevention Source (TIPS): 

SHS Exposure Data Sources Source: CDC Tobacco Information and Prevention Source (TIPS) Adult Tobacco Survey (State) Adult Use of Tobacco Survey (National) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (State) Current Population Survey (National & State) National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey (National) National Youth Tobacco Survey (National) Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (State) Youth Tobacco Survey (State)

Surgeon General’s Report on Tobacco Use Among U.S. Racial /Ethnic Minority Groups (1998): 

Surgeon General’s Report on Tobacco Use Among U.S. Racial /Ethnic Minority Groups (1998) “Data on exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) among members of U.S. racial/ethnic minority groups are extremely limited.” Despite the number of data sets with SHS data and the passage of five years, this assessment remains true

SHS Exposure Research:Current Population Survey: 

SHS Exposure Research: Current Population Survey Continuous monthly survey of 100,000 American workers, focusing on labor force indicators for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Tobacco Use Supplement developed by NCI assessed, among other things, presence & restrictiveness of workplace smoking policies in 1993, 1996 and 1999. Universe included African Americans, Latinos, Asian/Pacific Islanders and Native Americans

Smokefree Workplace Policy CoverageSource: Current Population Survey 1995-1996, 1998-1999Prepared by: California Dept. of Health Services, Tobacco Control Section, January, 2002: 

Smokefree Workplace Policy Coverage Source: Current Population Survey 1995-1996, 1998-1999 Prepared by: California Dept. of Health Services, Tobacco Control Section, January, 2002

SHS Exposure Research: Current Population Survey Findings: 

SHS Exposure Research: Current Population Survey Findings Among the various racial/ethnic groups, American Indians and Latinos are less likely to be covered by a complete smokefree workplace policy than other racial/ethnic groups Inequities in exposure are persistent over time Findings consistent with California Tobacco Survey data

Understanding High Rates of Exposure to Secondhand Smoke Among People of Color: 

Understanding High Rates of Exposure to Secondhand Smoke Among People of Color Many white collar workplaces go smokefree voluntarily; blue collar and service industries—where large numbers of people of color are employed—are less likely to do so Local and state clean indoor air laws often exempt restaurants and bars, hotel/motel industry, warehouses, etc.

Understanding High Rates of Exposure to Secondhand Smoke Among People of Color: 

Understanding High Rates of Exposure to Secondhand Smoke Among People of Color Workplace power dynamics, compounded in some cases by immigration status or language difficulties, present barriers to seeking protections against SHS in the workplace Lack of resources to support clean indoor air policy advocacy infrastructure and activity in communities of color

Research: 

Research Opinion Data on Secondhand Smoke & Clean Indoor Air Policies

Data Sources Source: Surgeon General’s Report on Tobacco Use Among U.S. Racial /Ethnic Minority Groups: 

Data Sources Source: Surgeon General’s Report on Tobacco Use Among U.S. Racial /Ethnic Minority Groups Current Population Survey ABC News/Washington Post (Roper Center for Public Opinion Research, 1993) California Tobacco Survey Market Strategies

SHS Opinion Research: Market Strategies Public Opinion Poll : 

SHS Opinion Research: Market Strategies Public Opinion Poll Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; conducted in 2002 by Market Strategies to provide a basis for message development by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights Universe of 905 individuals; over sampling of African Americans (101) and Latinos (103)

Market Strategies Survey Findings: Hazard vs. Annoyance: 

Market Strategies Survey Findings: Hazard vs. Annoyance Compared to White voters, African American and Latino voters are more likely to believe that secondhand smoke is more of a health hazard than an annoyance

Would you say that secondhand smoke is more of a health hazard, or more of an annoyance to people? Source: Market Strategies Survey, 2002: 

Would you say that secondhand smoke is more of a health hazard, or more of an annoyance to people? Source: Market Strategies Survey, 2002 Health Hazard or Annoyance

Market Strategies Survey Findings: Occupational Risks: 

Market Strategies Survey Findings: Occupational Risks More so than White voters, African American and Latino voters believe that secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard for hospitality and office workers

Here are some situations where people may be exposed to SHS. For each situation would you say that SHS is a serious health hazard, a moderate health hazard, a minor health hazard or not a health hazard… Source: Market Strategies Survey, 2002: 

Here are some situations where people may be exposed to SHS. For each situation would you say that SHS is a serious health hazard, a moderate health hazard, a minor health hazard or not a health hazard… Source: Market Strategies Survey, 2002 Occupational Risks

Market Strategies Survey Findings: Workers’ Rights: 

Market Strategies Survey Findings: Workers’ Rights More so than White voters, African American and Latino voters believe that waiters and other restaurant workers have no choice about SHS exposure and deserve the same protections as other workers

A. Waiters & other restaurant employees have no choice about exposure to SHS & deserve the same workplace protections afforded to others.B. Waiters & other restaurant employees have a choice as to where they work, know when they apply for a job that they will be exposed to SHS and should make employment decisions with that in mind.Source: Market Strategies Survey, 2002: 

A. Waiters & other restaurant employees have no choice about exposure to SHS & deserve the same workplace protections afforded to others. B. Waiters & other restaurant employees have a choice as to where they work, know when they apply for a job that they will be exposed to SHS and should make employment decisions with that in mind. Source: Market Strategies Survey, 2002 Workers’ Rights

Market Strategies Survey Findings: Nonsmokers’ Rights: 

Market Strategies Survey Findings: Nonsmokers’ Rights More so than White voters, African American and Latino voters believe that it is the right of nonsmokers to breathe clean air where they shop, work and eat

A. Although SHS is a serious health hazard, most people are not exposed long enough to cause problems.B. Although many people are not exposed to SHS for long periods, even a small amount is hazardous and it is the right of nonsmokers to breathe clean air.Source: Market Strategies Survey, 2002: 

A. Although SHS is a serious health hazard, most people are not exposed long enough to cause problems. B. Although many people are not exposed to SHS for long periods, even a small amount is hazardous and it is the right of nonsmokers to breathe clean air. Source: Market Strategies Survey, 2002 Nonsmokers’ Rights

Market Strategies Survey Findings: Support forSmokefree Laws: 

Market Strategies Survey Findings: Support for Smokefree Laws Support for laws prohibiting smoking in indoor places (workplaces, public places and restaurants) is stronger among African American and Latino voters than White voters.

Would you support or oppose a law that would prohibit smoking in most indoor places, including workplaces, public buildings and restaurants, but excluding bars? Source: Market Strategies Survey, 2002: 

Total numbers are rounded Support For Smokefree Laws Gender Ethnicity Would you support or oppose a law that would prohibit smoking in most indoor places, including workplaces, public buildings and restaurants, but excluding bars? Source: Market Strategies Survey, 2002

Market Strategies Survey Findings: Government Responsibility: 

Market Strategies Survey Findings: Government Responsibility White voters prefer municipal smokefree policies while African American and Latino voters favor state smokefree policies

Which level of government should be mainly responsible for setting smoking policies for public places, including workplaces and restaurants; the state government or the local government? Source: Market Strategies Survey, 2002: 

Which level of government should be mainly responsible for setting smoking policies for public places, including workplaces and restaurants; the state government or the local government? Source: Market Strategies Survey, 2002 Support For Smokefree Laws

Research: 

Research Other Relevant Data

Supportive Research FindingsSource: California Tobacco Surveys, California Dept. of Health Services, Tobacco Control Section, 1992-999: 

Supportive Research Findings Source: California Tobacco Surveys, California Dept. of Health Services, Tobacco Control Section, 1992-999 The California Tobacco Survey found higher rates of smokefree homes among Latinos and Asian/Pacific Islanders than Whites and African Americans.

Children and Adolescents Living in Smokefree Homes, by Race/Ethnicity Source: California Tobacco Surveys, California Dept. of Health Services, Tobacco Control Section, 1992-999: 

Children and Adolescents Living in Smokefree Homes, by Race/Ethnicity Source: California Tobacco Surveys, California Dept. of Health Services, Tobacco Control Section, 1992-999

Supportive Research FindingsSource: Legacy First Look Report 6: Youth Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke, American Legacy Foundation, 1999: 

Supportive Research Findings Source: Legacy First Look Report 6: Youth Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke, American Legacy Foundation, 1999 American Legacy Foundation research (1999 National Youth Tobacco Survey and the Legacy Media Tracking Survey) found that Latino youth have the least amount of home-based SHS exposure, followed by Whites and African Americans.

Analysis of Research Findings: 

Analysis of Research Findings Disproportionate rates of occupational SHS exposure for specific communities of color; even with improvements in coverage over time, inequities persist There are significant cultural differences in the understanding of: health risks associated with secondhand smoke workers’ rights and nonsmokers’ rights support for smokefree laws role of government in protecting the public from the dangers of secondhand smoke

Analysis of Research Findings: 

Analysis of Research Findings Data suggest the greatest need regarding occupational SHS exposure in many African American and Latino communities may be policy advocacy infrastructure and capacity building, not education Data support the allocation of resources for smokefree policy initiatives in Latino and African American communities Cultural differences in attitudes and beliefs reinforce the need for culturally competent organizing strategies, tactics, and media messages

Unrealized Opportunity: 

Unrealized Opportunity Strong support for clean indoor air policies coupled with high rates of exposure provide a significant opportunity for organizing around the issue of secondhand smoke in communities of color Nonetheless…

Tobacco Control’s Challenge: 

Tobacco Control’s Challenge Communities of color have not received the support and resources to build infrastructure, organize and mobilize for effective clean indoor air campaigns; Mainstream coalitions have convincingly demonstrated that sustained support and resources are pre-requisites to successful action on this issue.

Notable Campaigns in Communities of Color: 

Notable Campaigns in Communities of Color Las Cruces, NM Albany, GA Bethel, AK El Paso, TX

Other Challenges to Overcome: 

Other Challenges to Overcome Competing priorities with regard to social and health issues Exclusive institutional structures (gov’t agencies, funder requirements, independent sector organizations, mainstream coalitions) Limited available data specific to racial/ethnic groups (lack of state specific data, data regarding non-voters, etc.) Tobacco industry sponsorship & philanthropy

Culturally Competent Organizing:Recommended Tactics: 

Culturally Competent Organizing: Recommended Tactics Frame tobacco control as a window of opportunity for community empowerment Frame secondhand smoke exposure in the workplace as a workers’ rights / health justice issue Use workplace exposure data to support health justice framing Use home exposure & public opinion data to reinforce cultural strengths

Culturally Competent Organizing:Recommended Tactics: 

Culturally Competent Organizing: Recommended Tactics Encourage partnership with mainstream coalitions (dialogue & struggle) Hire culturally competent organizers Recruit long time, savvy activists and organizers to mobilize existing groups Recruit individuals with compelling impact stories Be willing to share power and resources

Data Recommendations: 

Data Recommendations Analyze existing data sets to provide racial/ethnic SHS exposure rates in specific settings over time

Data Recommendations with Policy Implications: 

Data Recommendations with Policy Implications Enhance secondhand smoke exposure data collection activities: Conduct national & state surveys specifically on workplace exposure Over sample on all racial/ethnic groups and subgroups Investigate relevant cultural & political issues (e.g., language, acculturation, country of origin, voting history, community involvement, etc.) Look to the California Tobacco Survey as a potential prototype

A Framework for Success: 

A Framework for Success Legislated vs. voluntary policies Community change vs. individual change Local vs. state policies Grassroots vs. grass tops approach

Policy Advocacy Process : 

Policy Advocacy Process Community-level education Grassroots organizing Leadership development Public debate / Media coverage Community mobilization Opposition push-back Legislative action

A Proven Solution : 

A Proven Solution Educate, organize and empower individuals and organizations affected by the problem Develop, implement and be prepared to defend effective policies to reduce, prevent or eliminate the problem

Slide43: 

Organize grassroots Develop/demonstrate authentic people power Overcome special interests Achieve policy goals & protect victories

Results in...: 

Results in... Change in cultural norms, community standards and environments Significant public support for strong, effective local policy

Health Outcomes: 

Health Outcomes Reductions in rates of disease and death Nonsmokers protected from health risks associated with secondhand smoke De-normalization of tobacco use Adults quit smoking Youth don’t start Stronger, healthier communities Skilled advocates

Purpose of Organizing--Anthony Thigpen, A.G.E.N.D.A. (Action for Grassroots Economic & Neighborhood Development Alternatives) : 

Purpose of Organizing --Anthony Thigpen, A.G.E.N.D.A. (Action for Grassroots Economic & Neighborhood Development Alternatives) To assist people in moving themselves from a point of “perceived” powerlessness and ineffective/non-productive action to a point of recognized/realized powerfulness and effective constructive action

Purpose of Organizing--Anthony Thigpen, A.G.E.N.D.A. (Action for Grassroots Economic & Neighborhood Development Alternatives) : 

Purpose of Organizing --Anthony Thigpen, A.G.E.N.D.A. (Action for Grassroots Economic & Neighborhood Development Alternatives) The grassroots approach assumes that the affected community knows: the issues / appropriate actions problems / salient solutions questions/ adequate answers

And that….: 

And that…. The community has the fundamental right and inherent capability to define and describe what it knows, and determine the direction needed to deal with the issues at hand.

Success Factors--Adapted from Anthony Thigpen, A.G.E.N.D.A.: 

Success Factors --Adapted from Anthony Thigpen, A.G.E.N.D.A. Compelling issue Sufficient grassroots base of support (organized and educated) Strategic coalition building (representative & relevant) Effective strategy and dynamic campaign Effective organizers Ability to effectively expose and counter opposition tactics

Conclusions: 

Conclusions Until recently, the strong support and natural constituency of communities of color for clean indoor air policies has gone untapped To achieve long-term sustainable success, the tobacco control movement must invest adequate resources—time, money, people, and expertise—directly into these communities to organize, build capacity and infrastructure, and advocate for policy change

Conclusions: 

Conclusions Timely, relevant data enhances advocates’ ability to organize and mobilize communities on an issue, and provides necessary support for strong, effective policies Addressing disparities is not only the right thing to do, it is an important strategic means to reach our common policy goals

Our Job is to Move People: 

Our Job is to Move People “If you want to move people, it has to be toward a vision that’s positive for them, that taps important values, that gets them something that they desire, and it has to be presented in a compelling way that they feel inspired to follow.” --Martin Luther King, Jr.

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¡Sí se puede! --Cesar Chavez For more information, contact: www.thepraxisproject.org eyanez@thepraxisproject.org