We're excited to share that the National CHW Policy Coalition officially launches next month, and we want state CHW associations and networks at the heart of it from day one.
The Coalition grew out of the National CHW Policy Working Group, a joint effort of PIH-US and NACHW. It is a CHW-led alliance of CHWs and allies working to advance professional recognition and sustainable financing for CHWs at the state and federal levels. We believe a strong CHW movement needs strong state associations and networks, a strong national professional association, and a strong national policy coalition, all working together. State networks are the foundation of that work.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR STATE NETWORKS
- No more advocating in isolation: Connect with CHW leaders across states to share what's working, compare strategies, and tackle shared barriers together. This happens through our monthly national meetings and through new cross-state policy and advocacy strategy spaces launching next year
- Put your state on the map. State networks will help shape and validate the CHW State Policy and Power Map, a first-of-its-kind national picture of CHW policy, financing, and organizing. Your input makes sure the map reflects what's really happening on the ground, and the map will show how your state compares to others.
- Turn state voices into federal power: Members of Congress listen to CHWs from their own states. Federal campaigns like the CHW Access Act (https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-adams-ruiz-sen-blunt-rochester-introduce-bill-expand-access) and the CHW Awareness Week Resolution are stronger with state networks behind them, and federal wins can open doors for state policy and funding.
- CHW-led by design: A CHW-majority Steering Committee and a CHW Advisory Committee keep CHW leadership at the center of the Coalition's direction.
HOW TO JOIN
Please sign on by Friday, October 2, so we can celebrate you as an inaugural member at our public launch the week of October 19. The form for organizational membership takes just 5–10 minutes: https://forms.gle/3Fi5mEVZ2GSiU4Vu6
We'd also love your help encouraging CHWs in your network to join as individual members. Individuals can sign on using this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWgoCglOIyc8dDXde_E0uYDvoLbX6-vU4lIQx5w0uYYXfdrA/viewform?usp=header
Members affirm our shared commitments to CHW leadership and self-determination, sustainable financing and professional recognition, collective action, strong state and national CHW infrastructure, and accountable allyship. You choose where to engage based on your alignment and capacity.
We'd love to hear what would be most helpful for your network. Reply to either of us, or reach out to Ali Bloomgarden, the Coalition's Senior Manager.
Honey Yang Estrada and Jennine Smart,
National CHW Policy Coalition Steering Committee