Preparing Your Community for Policy Change: What to Expect at Municipal Meetings

Presented by the Community Health Training Institute

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Topics: Overview of structure of local governments, tips for presenting at town halls or municipal meetings

To make a lasting impact, effective community health work is transitioning from a program approach to policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change. Engaging a variety of people who can champion your work in places you may not be able to reach is an important strategy for implementing PSE change. This training will explore why it is important to engage elected officials in the community work you do, and strategies for how to present your case at town or city meetings. The trainer will provide specific guidance on the best way to contact elected officials and stakeholders, how to effectively deliver your message, and how to navigate municipal meetings through local examples and tools.

Trainer: DJ Wilson, Mass Municipal Association

Participants completing this training will be able to:

1. Understand how engaging stakeholders, community members, and elected officials in your work can promote PSE change
2. Strategize ways to leverage local data and community voice in town meeting spaces
3. Name strategies for presenting at a town hall or board meeting

This training addresses the following MA DPH coalition Criteria:

1. Participation from key stakeholders (individuals and organizations that have a vested stake or interest in a program or policy initiative, e.g. it will impact them directly)
2. Consistency with MA DPH’s goals and priorities