Virginia Community Health Worker Association

CHW Advocacy & Civic Engagement Day at the General Assembly brings together Community Health Workers (CHWs), Promotores de Salud, and trusted allies from across the Commonwealth to elevate community-rooted voices directly to policymakers.

This coordinated day of action centers lived experience, professional expertise, and collective power to advance policies that strengthen public health, equity, and workforce sustainability.

Participants engage in a full day of civic engagement activities, including policy briefings, legislative visits, and structured storytelling opportunities.

CHWs share firsthand accounts of how current policies impact the communities they serve, highlighting gaps in access to care, workforce challenges, and opportunities for prevention-driven, cost-effective solutions.

Allies and partner organizations stand alongside CHWs to reinforce shared priorities, provide data-driven context, and demonstrate broad, cross-sector support.

The day typically includes:

• A pre-briefing to review legislative priorities, messaging, and advocacy best practices
• Scheduled meetings with legislators and staff across committees and districts
• Visibility actions such as wearing coordinated colors or badges to identify CHWs and partners
• Opportunities to observe floor sessions or committee hearings relevant to health and human services
• A closing debrief to reflect, build relationships, and identify next steps for sustained advocacy

Advocacy Day is both a learning and leadership opportunity—strengthening civic participation, building confidence in policy engagement, and reinforcing the essential role CHWs play in bridging communities and systems. By uniting CHWs, allies, and partners in the halls of the General Assembly, the day affirms that community-informed solutions belong at the center of decision-making.