Principles
- We recognize and support different interests, viewpoints and backgrounds
of Section Members. However, we will not be paralyzed by our diversity; we
will adopt Section positions even if there is dissenting minority opinion.
- Members should have access to information about Section activities, and
have the opportunity to participate.
- Our advocacy should be proactive and well-planned. While we will
decline some last minute requests in order to preserve time to pursue the
goals below, we will have a mechanism for and remain open to reacting
quickly in certain situations.
- We will seek opportunities to work closely with other APHA Sections, and
maintain formal liaisons with other environment and health activities at
APHA (e.g., the National Environmental Health Coalition, the Environmental
Health Partnership and the Environment and Health Task Force).
- We will be mindful that we are a volunteer organization. The
objectives and work plans we agree on for any given year should not be
overly ambitious, but should reflect time commitments by members.
Out of respect for ourselves individually and collectively, we should
expect that the work we undertake--though less ambitious than if it were
our day job--will be timely and of high quality.
Goals
- Improve environment and health practice such that public health and
environmental protection are integrated into practice level decision-making.
- Strengthen APHA's role as a respected national and international
force to improve environmental, health and other policies so the
policies recognize environmental components of disease
and promote prevention.
- Mobilize Section members to collaborate with APHA staff and leaders
in work on environmental health policy and practice. Serve as the
primary source for APHA staff and leadership of expertise and guidance on
environmental health issues.
- Build and sustain a strong and active membership base through
strategic recruitment, opportunities for participation, effective
communication and member recognition.
- Ensure that the APHA Annual Meeting is a dynamic and current forum
for environmental health issues, thereby meeting the needs and interest of
Section members, building the awareness of all APHA members about
environmental health, and increasing the Section's membership.
Leadership
The section is led by its elected officers (chair person, chair-elect,
secretary, six section councilors elected from the members at large, and four
members of the section elected to the APHA Governing Council. In
addition there are numerous opportunities for other section members to become involved in the section in a leadership capacity. Helping with the
Section Newsletter, chairing one of the various standing or ad hoc
committees, participating in the APHA policy process are all activities that
are open to any of our members.
Click here for
information on the current section leadership
Committees
Various committees are established by the Section Bylaws to facilitate the
accomplishment of our Section Mission and Goals. In addition, the
Section Council has established additional committees over the past several
years to focus more attention on the five priority goals outlined above.
Click here for
a list of the current committees and their chair
Membership
Click here for information on
becoming an APHA member
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