Communities
Your lived experience and insight hold the power to inform policy. Without a trusted platform, a support squad, that voice can feel isolated.
H.E.A.L. exists to change that.
The community connects grassroots organizers, coalitions, community leaders, and policy influencers in a secure space to learn, collaborate, and advocate for equity.
Inspired by The Allegory of the Orchard,
The Political Determinants of Health authored by Daniel E. Dawes.
The stories we read about how people are harmed by systemic barriers are more than words on paper. These voices transport us back to chapters within our own journey where we've experienced loss due to a system that isn't designed to meet the needs of our community.
Education and socio-economic status won't shield us from the harmful effects of healthcare disparities. We share the lived experiences of those we serve and as a result, we are also at greater risk of experiencing negative outcomes in our health and relationships. While we have a unique ability to translate this insight to influence policy design, we remain under-represented in policymaking processes.
The current levels of health disparities stem from longstanding policies that have eroded our foundations for centuries. Attempting to 'fix' current issues without recognizing their historical roots only inflicts further harm on the community and deepens the trust gap.
True progress in policy design, one that genuinely advances health equity, begins with acknowledging the economic, environmental, and political obstacles we must overcome. This process must actively seek and involve voices from the community to ensure a context that genuinely reflects their needs and experiences.
Mistrust in healthcare is rooted not just in historical events, but also in ongoing personal experiences of mistreatment. Trust is crucial for better healthcare experiences, outcomes, and perceptions.
Deloitte's Center for Health Solutions reveals that earning the trust of communities of color involves engaging with culturally competent providers who reflect their demographics, language, and life experiences. Unfortunately, many policymakers currently fall short of meeting these criteria. There is a need to build relationships between those who wield policy decision-making power and leaders working within communities.
They are holding listening sessions, hosting public forums, and inviting people to provide feedback that advises their policy decisions. Policymakers are seeking engagement, but not reaching the number of people they desire to serve.
The reality is our community is looking for leaders they already know and trust to guide them to better outcomes.
You have the opportunity to be the bridge of trust between policy power brokers and the individuals they are charged with serving.
BACKSTORY
The world of advocacy and policy can feel like an insider's game. The truth is, I struggled to find my fit.
When my corporate career transitioned into advocacy and policy, I started with no contacts or connections to draw upon. I came into this work with a passion for community engagement and activism. I quickly learned that relationships are the currency for creating policy change.
Doing the work to advance health equity while being representative of the communities we champion for requires a deeper support system. We are navigating the balance between speaking truth to power, holding space for those who are being harmed by structural iniquities, and being a bridge of trust to cross societal divides.
I decided to create the supportive network I wished for when starting out because our future depends on our next generation of leaders taking their seat at decision-making tables much faster than I was able to navigating alone.
A curated collection of resources &
friendships co-conspiring to create change.
You don’t have to do everything to make an impact. Being in community keeps you connected to the broader movement while allowing you to focus your energy where it matters most.
The flood of conferences, coalitions, and campaigns can be overwhelming. Much of it holds real value, yet your energy is sacred, and not every invitation aligns with your purpose.
H.E.A.L. exists to help you move through this complexity with care. Within the community, you’ll build relationships that keep you grounded and informed. This way, you can spend less time chasing updates and more time responding to what truly calls you.
This experience is not about doing more. It is about doing what is most aligned—and doing it alongside others who share your values, see your worth, and walk the journey with you.
H.E.A.L. is a free, private community for advocates, organizers, and professionals committed to transforming health policy and public health awareness. Members gain access to a resource library (including editable templates and graphics) and a moderated space for connection, collaboration, and peer support.
H.E.A.L. welcomes both seasoned professionals and those just beginning their advocacy journey. Whether you're a grassroots organizer curious about how policy actually moves or a policy analyst, lobbyist, or regulator working behind the scenes, there’s a place for you here.
This community was designed to make the invisible parts of policymaking more visible. Experienced advocates offer behind-the-scenes insights, while new voices bring the lived perspective that gives those policies meaning. Every level of engagement matters, and together we build a stronger, more informed movement.
We don’t operate on a fixed content calendar. Instead, resources are created and updated based on member feedback, shared needs, and what the ecosystem is asking for in real time.
Use your voice, your story, and your connections. Share trusted information. Host or join member-led meetups. Join conversations that inform public health strategies. Every contribution moves the mission forward.
You’ll find peer-led check-ins, advocacy alerts, resource drops, and real-time feedback inside our private forum. While we don’t offer live coaching (at this time), the community remains active and responsive to emerging needs.
Yes, always. H.E.A.L. is built to evolve with its members. Suggest content themes, advocacy priorities, or new ideas. Your input directly shapes what we build together.