Strengthening You Newsletter
Vol. 26 - December 2024​
Power Corner
Resilience Corner
Advocating for policies is important for CHWs because it helps create fair solutions for communities. CHWs know what their communities need and can speak up to make sure resources are shared more equally. By doing this, CHWs empower people to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. Their advocacy not only helps solve problems today but also builds long-term solutions that make communities stronger.
How CHWs can Advocate for Policies:
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Gather Stories and Information: Talk to people in the community to collect their stories and important facts about problems they face. Sharing real-life experiences along with facts can help show why changes are needed.
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Collaborate with Local Organizations: Partner with advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and nonprofits to amplify their reach and impact.
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Teach Policymakers About Solutions: Share examples of programs that have worked to distribute resources fairly and suggest similar ideas for your community.
You have the power to make a real difference by speaking up for underserved communities in policy decisions. As a policy advocate, you can empower your community and help build a future where everyone has the resources they need to thrive.
Building Intergenerational Resilience and Health Advocacy
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You can promote intergenerational resilience by:​
• Helping families stay connected and strong.
• Encouraging young people to become leaders in change.
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​You can achieve this by providing education, resources, and advocacy to the community. You can increase intergenerational resilience in youth by creating programs that teach leadership, self-advocacy, and community engagement skills. By equipping youth you help cultivate a generation of leaders committed to health equity and community resilience.
The Power of Policy: Role of CHWs in Policy Advocacy to Underserved Areas
Energy Corner
Energizing Advocacy Efforts: Engaging Faith Communities in Health Equity Efforts
Partnering with faith-based organizations allows CHWs to tap into trusted networks that are deeply rooted in underserved communities. These partnerships can help energize the community by using shared values to build trust and foster a collective action toward health equity. Together, CHWs and faith-based organizations can amplify advocacy efforts, inspire hope, and create one voice to address systemic health disparities.
How can CHWs do this:
Partner with Faith Leaders: Build relationships with faith leaders to align health equity goals with their community missions.
Provide Faith-Aligned Health Education: Offer workshops, presentations, or materials that connect health advocacy with the values and teachings of the faith community.
Encourage Policy Advocacy: Work with faith leaders and members to write letters, sign petitions, or meet with policymakers to advocate for systemic change
By working together, CHWs and faith-based groups can ignite a shared passion for health equity, inspiring communities to advocate for systemic changes, equitable policies, and increased access to vital resources.
Sound Corner
The CHW on Center Stage this month is ******* Jaida Wallace ********
Watch this video as Jaida Wallace answers the following thought-provoking question:
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Introduce Yourself & Tell Us About Your Background
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What Led You To Be A Community Health Worker (CHW)?
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Did You Choose This Profession?
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Was There a Defining Moment In Your Profession?
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What Was Your Defining Moment?
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What Is The Most Rewarding Part Of Your Journey As A CHW?
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How Does The Community Benefit From A CHW's Lived Experience?
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What Advice Would You Give A Rising CHW?
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What Comment Would You Like To Reinforce?
