Charting the Course from Health Disparities to Health Equity Strategic Plan

Our Vision & Mission VISION: “All Black women will enjoy optimal health in a society that promotes health equity and social justice.” MISSION: Advance health equity and social justice for Black women across the lifespan through policy and advocacy, education, research and leadership development. MISSION: Advance health equity and social justice for Black women across the lifespan through policy and advocacy, education, research and leadership development.

Our Core Values Justice: We work to advance equal opportunities for Black women to be well. We seek to transform systemic practices such as racism, sexism, and internalized oppression. Self Determination: We support the right and ability of Black women to have bodily autonomy, and to make decisions about their health and their futures, politically, socially and culturally. Respect: We respect Black women by being truthful and honest, providing accurate information and being responsive to their needs and interests. Credibility: We only take on those issues and actions that support the interests of Black women and that are true to our vision and mission.

We Define Health Equity “ The state of health that exists when social, political and economic barriers are removed so that every Black woman and girl has the freedom to choose behaviors and services which promote her optimum health— physically, emotionally and financially. ”

Our Focus: Achieving Health Equity The Imperative believes that Health Equity is the realization by ALL people of the highest attainable level of health. Achieving Health Equity involves addressing the unnecessary and avoidable inequalities by assuring the conditions of optimal health are in place. We must go beyond the immediate causes of the disease and explore the “causes of the causes” – those structures of social hierarchy – sexism, classism, racism, ageism – and the conditions these create where Black women grow, live, work, play and age.

Our Core Constituency: Target Populations Primary: Black women ages Secondary: Black women ages 35-64

Our Core Constituency: Target Geographic Areas Cities representing high burdens of priority health issues: ▪ Atlanta, GA ▪ Baltimore, MD ▪ Charlotte, NC ▪ Chicago, IL ▪ Detroit, MI ▪ Indianapolis, IN ▪ Los Angeles, CA ▪ New Orleans, LA ▪ St. Louis, MO ▪ Hampton Roads, VA ▪ Washington, D.C

Our Five-Year Strategic Plan The five-year strategic plan articulates our key priorities and approaches for advancing the vision and mission of the organization.

Our Strategic Plan: Through the Imperative Lens Access to Care Overall Wellness Sexual Health and Reproductive Justice Through the Imperative Lens, allows us to focus on our core issues and their interconnectivity to advance our mission of achieving health equity for Black women and girls. Sexual Health and Reproductive Justice Overall Wellness Access to Care

Strategy Articulation Map KEY SUCCESS FACTORS Drivers BLACK WOMEN’S HEALTH MATTERS MISSION & VALUES Aligned Policy & Programs Agenda STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES Clearly defined health equity concept across policy, programs and communications KEY METRICS New funders and donors increased by 25% Established Federal and state health policy and programs agenda Strategic communications plan to drive understanding of RJ issues for Black women Expand and diversify funding to achieve long-term financial sustainably New campaign frames and messages developed that Integrate health policy and health education campaigns Adoption of Imperative’s agenda by national and Black women’s organizations Seamless, integrated organizational agenda addressing health inequities across priority areas through policy, program and communications. Engaged Constituency of 18 – 34 Year Olds Engaged Constituency of 18 – 34 Year Olds Brand Recognition Affiliated Organizational Structure In Target Cities

Our Strategic Framework This strategic framework sets forth the Imperative’s direction for achieving and advancing health equity. Core Goal Priorities Core Approaches Achieving Health Equity Sexual Health & Reproductive Justice Wellness Advocacy & Public Policy Education & Training Research Leadership Development Affordable Care Act

Organize and align all organizational activities – policy and advocacy, programs, leadership development, research and communications – under the Health Equity Framework. Promote development and implementation of women-centered health policies and programs and culturally and gender appropriate health messages. Build, strengthen and expand our networks and alliances across sectors. Common Agenda Create a shared, comprehensive and integrated health policy, programs and communications agenda. Increase organizational visibility, leadership and sustainability. Implement strategies to advance social policies and programs. Articulate core, consistent messages for advancing health equity. Strategic Communications Create a culture of continuous, targeted communications to share our work and engage constituents, media and stakeholders. Our Alignment Approach Position the Imperative to lead the Black women’s health movement in addressing racial-and gender-based inequities in order to achieve optimum health and wellness.

Aligning Our Priorities and Issues Abortion Access Breast and Cervical Cancers Contraception Access HIV/AIDS Maternal Health Relationship Violence Sexual Assault Sexual Health and Reproductive Justice Heart Disease Obesity Lifestyle Balance Diabetes Wellness Essential Women’s Health Benefits Access to Health Insurance Affordable Care Act Our Health Equity Framework

Strategies and Objectives STRATEGY 1 Adopt a comprehensive health equity framework to advance improved health outcomes for Black women. (Full implementation by February 2014) OBJECTIVE 1 Develop a clearly defined health equity concept that addresses the root causes and social determinants that influence the health of Black women. OBJECTIVE 2 Assess and align current organizational priorities for policy, health programs and communications within the health equity framework. OBJECTIVE 3 Fully operationalize the health equity framework.

Strategies and Objectives STRATEGY 2 Develop a comprehensive, integrated health policy and programs agenda around the key issue areas. (Full implementation by February 2014) OBJECTIVE 1 Establish a federal and state health policy and advocacy agenda related to health equity and reproductive justice. OBJECTIVE 2 Establish an overall health policy and programs roadmap to bring attention to and advance key health equity issues. OBJECTIVE 3 Strengthen and expand innovative reproductive justice initiatives. OBJECTIVE 4 Align the health program initiatives with health policy and advocacy priorities.

Strategies and Objectives STRATEGY 3 Leverage strategic communications to drive understanding of health and social justice issues for Black women. (Full implementation by November 2014) OBJECTIVE 1 Develop and disseminate messages, materials and products to educate constituents and key stakeholders on health equity and lifestyle change issues for Black women. OBJECTIVE 2 Strengthen the capacity of Imperative leadership, staff and partners to influence and shape the dialogue and perceptions around health and social justice for Black women.

Strategies and Objectives STRATEGY 4 Establish partnerships and alliances with organizations in targeted states. (Full implementation by June 2015) OBJECTIVE 1 Mobilize communities and individuals through established relationships in strategic locations across the country. OBJECTIVE 2 Mobilize national, state, and community organizations, leaders, and individuals to advocate the Imperative’s health policy and programs agenda.

Strategies and Objectives STRATEGY 5 Strengthen the management, governance, and funding base to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Imperative. (Full implementation by 2017) OBJECTIVE 3 Institutionalize fund development with emphasis on increasing unrestricted funding from individual donors and corporations. OBJECTIVE 1 Engage 100% of Board members in cultivation activities. OBJECTIVE 2 Build a high donor giving program comprising donors of $500 or more. OBJECTIVE 4 Advance effective governance and management practices with accountability measures.