The Milwaukee Inner-city Congregations Allied for Hope, or MICAH, is accepting applications for its first Voices for Health Justice training program.
The paid 9-month-long program hopes to “uplift the voices of individuals who have been directly affected by harmful health care systems, policies and practices, along with health care professionals who are dedicated to advancing equitable access to health care,” according to its application form. It will begin in April.
MICAH is a multiracial, interfaith organization based in Milwaukee that focuses on justice issues.
The program is a part of an effort to address long-standing health disparities in Milwaukee, said Diannia Merriett–Alabi, health equity organizer at MICAH.
“We really wanted to activate people in the community to try and make a change,” Merriett–Alabi said. “It’s really something powerful when people who are impacted can speak for themselves and advocate for themselves.”
No experience needed
The program is seeking 10 to 12 participants and encourages Milwaukee County residents who are dedicated to health advocacy to apply. No prior experience is necessary.
“It’s not about your education. It’s not about your title. It’s really about passion, and that you really want to see improvement in the community,” Merriett–Alabi said.
The program will focus on training and on-the-ground advocacy, featuring a curriculum that includes interactive workshops, expert-led seminars, peer learning and hands-on project work, according to the application.
In the long term, participants will also bring their advocacy to local governments and the state Legislature, Merriett–Alabi said.
“We can be a strong group that really can help change policies and law,” Merriett–Alabi said.
For MICAH, this new program also represents a step forward. Being able to pay participants, Merriett–Alabi said, will break down barriers and allow community members to dedicate their time to health advocacy.
Voices for Health Justice is part of a national effort with Community Catalyst, a nonprofit health advocacy organization.
According to a statement from Community Catalyst, Voices for Health Justice is focused on “building community power to demand and secure health system policy changes.”
For more information
Applications to join MICAH’s Voices for Health Justice program are available until Friday, March 7.
You can check out MICAH’s website for more details.
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