"Advocacy is a catch-all word for a set of skills used to create a shift in public opinion and mobilise the necessary resources and forces to support an issue, policy, constituency"
(Wallack et al 1993, p27)

The WA Branch actively seeks to advocate on behalf of its members on a range of health and related social issues at a local or state level. The Association publishes letters, writes submissions, and/or contacts politicians regarding health issues such as road trauma, men's health, domestic violence, public transport and smoke free venues (to name just a few).

An Annual Careers Information Night provides past health promotion graduates with an opportunity to share their career journeys and illustrate to students the diversity of career pathways available to graduates. The Careers Information Night allows students the opportunity to interact and speak with a range of government and non-government organisations who set up displays of the work they undertake in the health promotion area.

The AHPA (WA) Listserver provides members with a source of up to date information including upcoming education and social events, courses, weekly job opportunities and volunteer positions in the area of health promotion and public health.

A membership survey is conducted towards the end of each year in preparation for the incoming Executive Committee. It provides members with an opportunity to feedback on activities and services offered by the WA Branch which in turn assists the WA Branch with planning events and services for the coming year.

The Australian Health Promotion Association (WA Branch) offers an exclusive Mentoring Program for members. The program has been operating for several years and has received considerable commendation. Mentoring partnerships are carefully matched to meet the specific needs of each participant. Members interested in participating as a mentee or mentor should register their interest by contacting the Executive Officer. Mentors act in a voluntary capacity and may or may not be members of AHPA (WA). The Mentoring Program is regularly evaluated and refined to reflect the changing needs of participants.

The AHPA (WA) newsletter (News from the West) is produced three times per year and is distributed electronically where possible. The newsletter provides members with a valuable array of information such as updates on health promotion activities, notice of professional development opportunities, event overviews, articles from members, AHPA contact details and a calendar of events. Click on Newsletter (WA pages) to access past copies (2004 and 2005) of the newsletter – News from the West.

The WA Branch organises a range of workforce development activities. Each year the WA Branch delivers a range of professional development workshops, breakfasts, and the Annual General Meeting (AGM). AHPA is dedicated to providing skill development and networking opportunities for its members. Workshops are selected based on feedback and requests received by members and details of events are then emailed via the AHPA listserver.

Regular social and networking events are scheduled throughout the year which provide an avenue to meet with other practitioners in the field.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about any of the WA Branch activities contact:
Janet Gethin
WA Branch Executive Officer
(Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) Phone: (08) 9382 5921
Email: ahpa@heartfoundation.com.au