Staying Informed, Getting Involved: Opportunities for CHWs

9 Oct, 2026

Staying Informed, Getting Involved: Opportunities for CHWs

CHW News, CHW Professional Development, CHWs, Health Equity

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are often recognized for their ability to connect individuals to care, build trust within communities, and advocate for equitable access to resources. Beyond these responsibilities, CHWs also play an important role in informing public health policies, strengthening community partnerships, and contributing to decisions that impact the communities they serve.

This blog focuses on CHW Strategy 4.1 from the Community Health Worker Initiative’s (CHWI) Cultivating Community Change Together Plan, which emphasizes the importance of CHWs participating in formal and informal leadership development opportunities As part of CHW Outcome 4, this strategy recognizes that strengthening leadership and self-advocacy skills allows CHWs to expand their professional capacity and contribute more meaningfully to institutional and community initiatives. With upcoming Medicaid policy changes and opportunities to serve on the QC4 Governing Board, CHWs have the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, develop leadership skills, and become more involved in efforts to improve community health in Mecklenburg County.

Staying Informed: Strengthening CHW Knowledge Through Policy Awareness

Under the Cultivating Community Change Together Plan, CHW Outcome 4 emphasizes that CHWs have leadership and self-advocacy skills within institutional settings. This strategy recognizes that leadership development extends beyond traditional supervisory roles and includes opportunities to strengthen communication, self-advocacy, collaboration, and the ability to influence decisions affecting community health.

💡 CHW Outcome 4 CHWs have leadership and self-advocacy skills within institutional settings.

CHWs bring a unique perspective to leadership and professional development because of their trusted relationships with community members and firsthand understanding of barriers affecting access to healthcare and social services. Their involvement in professional learning opportunities helps strengthen their ability to advocate for community needs, communicate effectively with organizational partners, and contribute to initiatives that promote equitable health outcomes.

As healthcare policies continue to evolve, understanding how legislative and regulatory changes affect communities is an important component of CHW professional development. In July 2025, federal legislation known as H.R. 1 introduced significant changes to Medicaid, including new work and community engagement requirements scheduled for implementation in 2027 for certain beneficiaries. These changes highlight the importance of CHWs remaining informed about policies that may affect healthcare access and developing the communication and advocacy skills needed to support community education and resource navigation.

Examples of CHW participation in leadership and professional development include:

Participating in training and educational opportunities – CHWs can attend workshops, webinars, and professional development sessions that strengthen communication, advocacy, and leadership skills.
Staying informed about healthcare policies – CHWs can review policy updates and educational resources to better understand changes affecting the communities they serve.
Strengthening health literacy and communication – CHWs can develop skills to explain complex healthcare information in ways that are accessible and responsive to community needs.
Engaging in peer learning and collaboration – CHWs can exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices through coalition meetings, professional networks, and peer support opportunities.
Seeking leadership opportunities – CHWs can participate in advisory groups, community committees, and coalition leadership positions to develop their professional skills.
- Practicing advocacy and public speaking – CHWs can strengthen their ability to communicate community concerns, share professional experiences, and contribute to discussions about healthcare access and workforce needs.

These opportunities support CHWs in developing skills that extend beyond their immediate responsibilities while strengthening their ability to contribute to organizational and community-level improvements.

From Strategy to Action: Operationalizing CHW Outcome 4

The Cultivating Community Change Together Plan outlines six activities that support implementation of CHW Strategy 4.1:

- CHW Activity 4.1.1 – Seek and attend training and workshops to improve diverse skills, such as public speaking, self-advocacy, communication, organizational culture and politics, diversity and inclusion, and cultural competence.
- CHW Activity 4.1.2 – Create opportunities, perhaps through QC4 meetings/network and/or one-on-one peer support sessions, to practice new skills developed.
- CHW Activity 4.1.3 – Collaborate with fellow CHWs to develop community engagement projects to practice and demonstrate leadership and project management skills/abilities.

💡 CHW STRATEGY 4.1 CHWs participate in formal and informal leadership development opportunities.

Current Opportunities for CHWs

QC4 Governing Board Applications

QC4 provides opportunities for CHWs and community partners to collaborate, share resources, and contribute to initiatives that strengthen the CHW workforce throughout Mecklenburg County. Serving on the QC4 Governing Board offers an opportunity to develop leadership skills, participate in coalition planning, and help guide activities that support the coalition’s mission to unify, equip, and empower CHWs.

Applications for the QC4 Governing Board are currently open through December 2026. Interested CHWs and community partners are encouraged to apply and submit completed applications to Jasmine Simmons, CHWI Health Program Supervisor.

Upcoming Medicaid Changes and Educational Resources

As federal Medicaid policy changes approach, CHWs are encouraged to remain informed about emerging requirements and available resources that can support community education and healthcare navigation.

Conclusion

Outcome 4 of the CHWI Action Plan recognizes that CHWs play an important role in leadership and self-advocacy within institutional settings. Strategy 4.1 specifically emphasizes the importance of participating in formal and informal leadership development opportunities to strengthen the skills needed to communicate effectively, advocate for community needs, and contribute to organizational and community initiatives.

When CHWs are engaged in ongoing professional learning, peer collaboration, and opportunities to practice leadership skills, they are better equipped to respond to evolving healthcare policies and community needs. As healthcare and public health systems continue to change, professional development helps ensure that CHWs remain informed, confident, and prepared to support the communities they serve.

By investing in CHW leadership development and creating meaningful opportunities for continued learning and involvement, Mecklenburg County can strengthen both the CHW workforce and the community partnerships needed to improve health outcomes.

References

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). The work and community engagement requirement. NC Medicaid. https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/beneficiaries/impact-hr-1-and-federal-changes-medicaid/work-and-community-engagement-requirement