EHF’s Collaborating for Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) aims to strengthen existing health-focused coalitions and collaborative efforts by improving their effectiveness, leadership, and sustained ability to take action to improve health.
EHF understands that complex health challenges in our communities often can’t be solved by one organization alone. We need strong cross-sector collaborative efforts in order to improve health at the population and community level. For that reason, we have launched CHCI to strengthen the effectiveness and impact of existing health-focused collaboratives in our region.
Launching in Spring 2022, the CHCI Peer Learning Network is the core program of the EHF’s Collaborating for Healthy Communities Initiative. Through an application process, EHF will identify five to six coalitions to join the initial phase of the peer learning network approach. The goal of the network is to help coalitions and multi-sector efforts deepen collaboration and get practical information for improving effectiveness and advancing practices.
The deadline to apply is January 19, 2022.
Apply now!
What are the Benefits of the Peer Learning Network?
Expand your understanding of how to build and maintain a strong collaborative
Receive technical assistance to assess your collaborative’s current capacity and strengths, and develop plans to address unmet needs
Appreciate dedicated time to enhance the effectiveness of your collaborative, while working toward your goals
Connect with peers to solve problems and discuss mutual concerns
EHF’s Peer Learning Network will focus on four main areas :
Session 1: Shared Purpose
Session 2: Shared Leadership
Session 3: Strategic Action
Session 4: Positioning for Sustainability and Sustained Impact
Components will include:
Collaborative Self-Assessment – EHF will support participating coalitions in conducting online self-assessments to learn which core areas need strengthening and require attention.
Training – EHF will convene ongoing opportunities to support collaborative leaders in improving skills, learning new information, and shifting mindsets through structured learning with the overarching goal of improving the effectiveness of community health coalitions.
Coaching and Technical Assistance – EHF will work with vetted consultants and technical assistance providers to help coalitions assess their current capacity, build on strengths, and develop plans to address underlying needs and challenges.
Structure
Each of the network’s learning sessions will be two hours long and scheduled every six weeks. In between each session, consultations and/or coaches will be available to support individuals, peer groups, etc. Peer conversations may be part of pre-work between meetings and will also be a part of each learning session. Peers may be matched together or created organically (or both).
Time Commitment
January- August 2022
Requirements
Each participating coalition will designate at least three key individuals to take part in the core activities:
coalition coordinator, a representative from the backbone or primary sponsoring organization who has decision-making authority (executive director or deputy director), and a representative from a participating organization that is highly engaged in the coalition work.The ideal participants will be serving in the role of chair, coordinator, facilitator, or steering committee members. Up to five coalition members and leaders may participate in the core team.
Key Dates
January 19, 2022 – Application deadline
February 18, 2022 – Selection and Announcement
March 2, 2022 – Program Kickoff Orientation (online) & Assessment
March 31, 2022 – Retreat Kickoff
April – August – Webinars, coaching and site visits (dates to be scheduled)