About Us
IPS is a public health organization. We specialize in
implementing upstream, population-level prevention programs that reduce health disparities and advance equity. We work alongside residents and other stakeholders to advocate for policy and systems change to protect health and safety, prevent community trauma, and expand opportunities so that people can reach their full potential.
A shift toward equity.
In recent years, the role of equity in determining health outcomes has become widely understood, and IPS’s approach has evolved. Advancing equity has become a fundamental feature of our work.
History
Initiated in 1991, the Institute for Public
Strategies (IPS) originally focused on providing
media advocacy services and training and
technical assistance. IPS was formally
incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1992.
It soon became clear to us that media advocacy
was not a stand-alone strategy. It needed to be
part of a well-designed, comprehensive
approach.
IPS was fortunate to learn about the breadth of prevention from great expert researchers, which enabled us to engage in broader, more productive prevention work. Over time, IPS began operating its own projects, performing prevention implementation on large research initiatives and providing technical assistance and training to many government agencies and program operators across the nation. IPS emerged as a leader in program design and implementation of “environmental” or “upstream” prevention in the public health and safety field. We have learned how to help other agencies nationwide and internationally to apply strategic approaches with holistic project design and operation. We have worked on projects that range in size from small towns or neighborhoods to initiatives that are statewide and international in scale.
In the early years, we worked in projects with multi-state sites including Community Trials to Reduce Alcohol Trauma and, with the American Medical Association, A Matter Of Degree (AMOD) – a college-community alcohol and binge drinking prevention program – as well as on our own international Cross-Border Teen Drinking Program. Our expansive body of innovative work continues today. Initial staff consisted only of IPS’s founder, James Baker. We now have over 50 employees and offices in multiple California cities, as well as in Montana and Maryland.
Vision
Safe, secure, vibrant and healthy
communities where everyone can thrive.
IPS has worked with communities,
governments, and prevention providers
across the country, designing prevention
programs, implementing projects, and
providing training and technical assistance.
We focus on systemic change, advocating
for healthy social, economic, cultural,
political, and physical conditions that
support health and improve quality of life
today, as well as tomorrow.
Mission
We work alongside communities to build
power, challenge systems of inequity,
protect health, and improve quality of life.
IPS is a “partner in change.” We work
alongside communities to build collective
efficacy, social capital, and political will in
order to advance healthy social, economic,
cultural, political, and physical environments.
Our experience confirms that lasting change
starts with those who didn’t think they had a
voice.
EQUITY
Core Values
IPS’s Core Values are grounded in decades
of experience working side-by-side with our
community partners.
We are committed to just and fair
solutions.
We are committed to learning the
unique needs of communities.
DIVERSITY
We are committed to elevating
the voices of those directly
affected by societal problems and
emboldening them to take action.
EMPOWERMENT
We are committed to advancing
healthy social, economic and
physical environments.
SYSTEMS CHANGE
We are committed to achieving
positive, measurable change.
RESULTS
We are committed to being
accessible, accountable and
inclusive.
INTEGRITY
© Institute for Public Strategies. All Rights Reserved.
What We Do
Since 1992, IPS has been a leader in population-level prevention. Our portfolio is broad. We design prevention programs, elevateconsequential public health and safety issues, organize grassroots advocacy efforts, launch strategic media campaigns, influence policy andsystems change, and build capacity among our many partners. Our work is informed by nationally-recognized researchers.
Our Approach
At IPS, we believe upstream approaches to public health – those that address the physical, social, cultural, and economic environments at apopulation level – have the greatest impact.
IPS’s Approach to Community Transformation (ACT) Model© is our demonstrated framework for creating upstream change. The ACT Modelcombines six components that strategically intersect to achieve a vision for community change. The ACT Model has been applied incommunities around the nation.
A Vision for Change. Every other component of the Model is applied with this vision in mind.
COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION
Producing strategic, timely, sequential news enhanced by social media to frame issues, amplify voices, and advance change.
MEDIA ADVOCACY
Engaging with community to gather and examine qualitative and quantitative data to accurately understand problems.Employing evidence-informed strategies, tracking progress, and evaluating outcomes.
DATA & RESEARCH
Ensuring the necessary infrastructure, knowledge, resources, and accountability measures are in place to support long-termchange.
SUSTAINABILITY
Advocating for upstream solutions that advance equity and support health, safety, and opportunity.
POLICY & SYSTEMS CHANGE
Engaging, listening to, and mobilizing communities to build collective power and break down systemic barriers.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
© Institute for Public Strategies. All Rights Reserved.