On a sunny spring day in April, nearly 80 nonprofit leaders from the Inland Empire gathered on the steps of the California State Capitol as they prepared for a busy day of dialogue around improving the health and wellness of families with children throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
The Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network, sponsored by IEHP Foundation, is a cadre of 80 Inland Empire nonprofit leaders representing 40 organizations dedicated to building healthy neighborhoods and cultivating healthy living – ensuring all residents, especially families with children, have access to Vibrant Health across the region.
The trip proved to be a valuable experience as these nonprofit leaders engaged with legislative offices to educate legislators about vital issues they identified collectively, including affordable housing, mental health and economic mobility.
Additionally, leaders shared about how potential cuts to Medi-Cal, the health insurance program for low-income families funded by Medicaid, would greatly impact the communities they serve since about 43% of Inland Empire residents are enrolled in Medi-Cal.
Approximately 75% of these nonprofit leaders had not previously engaged in public policy and advocacy, and for many, this was their first visit to the State Capitol.
During their visit, the Champions participated in 75 meetings with legislative offices, where they addressed key issues and initiatives impacting the health and well-being of families in the region.
“It was inspiring to see many leaders gain confidence in their advocacy skills,” said IEHP Foundation CEO Greg Bradbard. “One leader shared with me how they felt enlightened, educated, and empowered.”
In addition to their meetings, the Champions also had the opportunity to visit the Assembly Floor, thanks to Assemblymember Phillip Chen and Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez. Special guest speakers included California State Treasurer Fiona Ma and California’s Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday.
Both emphasized nonprofits’ critical role in collaboratively enhancing health and wellness across the Inland Empire, praising the region’s resilience and strength.
The advocacy trip is part of multiple convenings the leaders will engage in over the next two years to bolster their skills in business management, communication, strategic thinking, change leadership, team building, succession planning and public policy and advocacy.
The Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network is a two-year leadership development program for Inland Empire community-based organizations (CBOs) that address the social determinants of health. The goal of the Leadership Network is to increase organizational capacity, collective advocacy and operational funding aimed at increasing physical and mental health across the Inland Empire.