Lung Health News, Spring Summer 2001
As Thomas Bauer nursed his mother, who lay dying of lung cancer after a longtime addiction to cigarettes, he became horrified by commercials touting Philip Morris’ corporate giving program. He decided he had to do something about it the day she died. He was sitting watching television with his Father and Grandmother, and there it was, another commercial talking about all the great things Philip Morris does for the community.
"All I could think about was that they had killed my mother," Bauer says.
Since that day, Bauer has become an activist against the tobacco industry and its deceptive marketing tactics. He volunteers for the American Lung Association in California — speaking at events and launching the Families Against Philip Morris Campaign — and is an active member of the e-Advocacy Network.
His involvement with the American Lung Association of California all started with a visit to the organization’s web site at www.californialung.org. Through the web site, Bauer contacted the association and expressed his concerns about the tobacco industry and his willingness to get involved.
Bauer joined the association’s e-Advocacy Network, which allows him and others to make their voices heard at the State Capitol. Members join through the American Lung Association of California’s web site, and are kept informed about legislative activity through updates and action alerts.
Like Bauer, Carolee Jackson joined the e-Advocacy Network because she wanted to make a difference. Jackson has asthma.
"I’m dismayed at political decisions dealing with our precious air," says Jackson, who feels trapped indoors due to poor outdoor air quality.
E-Advocacy Letters are Making a Difference
Members make their voices heard by responding to the action alerts. They are e-mailed a link where they can sign on to a pre-written letter, or edit it to include their specific concerns. When the letter is sent into cyberspace, a hard copy letter is generated and faxed to target legislators and opinion leaders.
Nearly 1,000 letters to public officials have been generated through the e-Advocacy Network since its inception in July 2000 about a variety of important lung health issues, including protecting the zero-emission vehicle program, reducing diesel exhaust, spending tobacco settlement funds on tobacco prevention programs, and ending public investments in tobacco stocks. These letters are making a big difference at the State Capitol and with agencies responsible for public health issues.
After the Investment Committee of the California Public Employees Retirement System voted to divest of tobacco stocks and securities last October, Investment Committee Chair Michael Flaherman told the American Lung Association that the letters in favor of divestment had flooded his office.
The e-Advocacy Network has proven to be such an effective tool that other American Lung Associations across the country have established their own. It was recently selected by the nationwide American Lung Association as a Best Practices Model Program.
Web Site Offers Information and Ways to Get Involved
"A primary gain for me with the web site is education," Jackson says.
The American Lung Association of California’s web site offers a wealth of information about lung health, as well as the programs and services available in your area. There is a calendar listing of events, news items about issues that affect lung health, recent news releases, and tips to keep you and your family healthier. There is also information available in Spanish.
The site also offers a variety of ways to get involved with the organization. You can volunteer, make a donation, sign up for the association’s Breathe Easy news magazine, join the Families Against Philip Morris Campaign, track how tobacco settlement funds are being spent in your area, and connect to your local American Lung Association’s web site.
"The web site is a great way to get involved," Bauer says.
