Authentic Voices in

Advocacy

Community Health Workers

Introductions Aisha Dahir

Community Health Promoter

Global to Local

Siobhan RingMobilization Director

Children's Alliance

Sophia Beltran

Prevention and Community Transition Manager

Mujeres en Acción LLC.

Molly Morris

CHW / IPA

Grand Coulee Clinic

“There is no such thing as the voiceless, only the deliberately silenced or the preferably unheard.”

- Arundhati Roy

Our mission is to improve the well being of children by effecting positive changes in public policies, priorities, and programs.

Our policy advocacy is informed by our commitment to racial equity.

Authentic Voice

What does Authentic Voice mean to you?

AUTHENTIC VOICE IN ADVOCACY

May look like:

• Using words, language and cultural references natural to oneself

• Speaking about one’s experience truthfully and honestly

• Fighting for solutions that one truly believes will create the change they or their community needs

• Those who are being discussed are either speaking for them/ourselves, or giving permission for the use of their words/images and having a say in how they/we are represented.

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Three Steps to Elevate Authentic Voice :

1. Gather Strategic Information

1. Know your Audience2. Setting3. Risks

2. Reflect and Prepare

1. Why do you care? What is your stake in this issue? What do you want to be different?

3. Risk Wisely

Stories of Authentic Voice in Advocacy

Table TalkRound One

Turn to your neighbors and share a time you shared your authentic voice or witnessed someone share theirs.

What was the experience like? What were the challenges and successes?

5 Minutes

• Relationships matter. • Consider if and when it is appropriate for your organization to speak on behalf of others

who are affected by an issue, and consider how and when you make space for others to speak for themselves.

• Do not use images or words without permission. Be clear about what “permission means”. Ask often.

• Do not take risks or make decisions about risks for others, especially when exposing others to risk.

• Create a feedback loop.

The Role of An AllyPrinciples

The Role of An Ally

Effective Support

• Share access to information helpful to advocate

• Don’t assume what kind of support someone needs. Ask! • Avoid Tokenizing!

• Follow up. Be there as a support!

Your turn!Table Talk

Round Two

• How do you hope to continue not only elevating but centering authentic voice?

• Take-aways?

• Questions?

Closing Comments

Thank you!

Thank you!

Presenter Information

Aisha Dahiraisha@globaltolocal.org

Siobhan RingSiobhan@childrensalliance.org

Sophia Beltransbeltran@yahoo.com

Molly Morrismmorriss@chccares.org