Communities
The training and lived experience that you've cultivated create the context needed to navigate our community toward greater resilience and improved health.
The challenge is that you need to understand the inner workings of our complex healthcare system or how to engage in policy advocacy. You're thinking that your voice isn't powerful enough to affect change.
You need a safe space to learn, seek support, and build your advocacy muscles.
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.
Attending conferences, keeping up with policy updates, and building your network to discover innovative approaches on top of your "day job" can quickly become depleting.
The good news is, we're building a community that helps you navigate finding the right spaces at the right time. You'll be cultivating relationships along the way so you can select the gatherings that are most meaningful to deepening authentic friendships and reaching your goals.
By joining H.E.A.L. as a founding member, you are building a community around humans working to improve access to quality healthcare for all. There will be a monthly drop of graphics that can be used on social media or shared through email to raise awareness of key public health conditions and the organizations who champion them as a cause. There are 2 live group sessions. Once will focus on sharing a skill related to building an advocacy platform, the other will be focused on enhancing networking and connection between our members.
Our membership is open to anyone passionate about advocating for historically marginalized populations to gain better access to quality healthcare. Whether you're new to healthcare advocacy or a seasoned campaigner, your voice is needed here. We provide a safe and inclusive space for all allies and champions.
New social media graphics are released monthly to keep your advocacy fresh and engaging. Our comprehensive social media and event calendar is updated annually to help you plan and participate effectively.
Engage in grassroots advocacy that influences health policy. Gain insights into the advocacy process, connect with key organizations and policymakers, and forge powerful relationships that amplify your voice to the decision-makers.
As a founding member, you'll play a crucial role in shaping our community's culture. Expect two interactive live sessions monthly and continuous support from the Powered To Rise team, who will facilitate engagement and address your queries thrice weekly.
Absolutely! We provide training resources to maximize the impact of your monthly graphics. Additionally, our community forum is always open for queries, sharing success stories, or offering encouragement.
Yes! Your feedback is invaluable. Let the Powered To Rise team know what topics you're interested in, which experts you want to hear from, or any specific content you need for your advocacy. We are here to support and empower our community to make a significant impact.
A Community Developed by: