COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS AS ADVOCATES WHY ADVOCACY? WHY ME? COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS AS ADVOCATES KYACHW CONFERENCE September 28, 2018 Sheila A. Schuster, Ph.D. kyadvocacy@gmail.com

A Democracy requires that the VOICE of the PEOPLE be heard.

WHAT IS ADVOCACY? Advocacy is Education with Passion An Advocate is One Who Listens An Advocate is One Who Connects An Advocate is One Who Speaks An Advocate is One Who Acts An Advocate is a Community Health Worker!

What do Kentuckians need to know? Where do I go?  Where’s the ER? How do I stay well? What’s an MCO? What did my doctor say?

What is your health care target…for yourself. Your clients What is your health care target…for yourself? Your clients? Your community? Your state?

YOUR voice is magnified in coalitions and working partnerships… When we are all aiming for the same target! When we work with each other in coalition. When we speak with one voice!

WHY ADVOCACY??

Advocacy Gets Action! Advocacy can be at the individual or at the community, state or national level First, have those you work with identify their unmet needs & look for trends Lots of individuals with the same unmet needs = gaps in the health care system Gaps in the health care system demand additional information, resources, services

If YOU don’t speak out… Who will speak? Who understands the issues better than YOU do? Whose voice will be heard?

Why should that voice be YOURS? Because YOU… Are knowledgeable about the issues. Care – and care passionately. Know that stories are powerful. Are able to listen and have others share what they know and have experienced.

Why should that voice be YOURS? Because YOU… Are willing to work…and work hard to see that your clients have what they need. Are learning to be an effective advocate. Provide accurate, timely information and resources. Work with others toward the goal.

and because YOU can influence others to vote and to speak out! YOU are an ADVOCATE because YOU VOTE and SPEAK OUT… and because YOU can influence others to vote and to speak out!

How will YOUR voice be heard? Register to VOTE (Oct. 9th) & VOTE (Nov. 6th)! Be positive and polite, but always be persistent Don’t hesitate to ask questions and keep asking Remind yourself to say “Thank You!” Reach out and educate others who can help – take your stories to KY Voices for Health Create a network of people with the same goals and issues, everyone raising their voices Believe that your voice & those of your clients can really make a difference…because they can!

Remember – YOUR Story Can be Told Wherever YOU Are!

Words to Remember… “Never forget that a small group of thoughtful people can change the world. Indeed, that’s all that ever has.” --Margaret Mead