Embracing CHWs in the leadership role

This three hours session has been developed as a leadership workshop for Community Health Workers (CHWs). CHWs, will explore the characteristics of leadership and the importance this skill brings to the CHWposition. The Community Health Worker field has been slow to develop internal leadership because of fragmentation and lack of incentives to participate in local, state and national organizations, yet the magnitude of CHWs acting in leadership roles has never been greater. Participants will explore their own perceptions and expectations of leadership. They will discover the importance of a CHW in a leadership role and the difference they can make in their jobs and in local and national public policy. Practical skills will be taught, such as communicating with stakeholders and gaining employer support. They will also explore their role in participation through leadership activities which demonstrate the link between professional development and effectiveness on the job. Participants will also discuss the need and opportunity for CHW leadership in state and local CHW associations, the APHA CHW SPIG and the new American Association of CHWs.