March 31, 2025
It was once known as an Advocacy Agenda. But this past year the Healthi Kids Coalition completed a process to refresh and rename this document. Not meant to be an overhaul, it took this step to make sure its work on policies, systems and environmental changes remains relevant to the community. The agenda clearly communicates priorities for this work.
As a result of this process, the agenda is now referred to as a Change Agenda.
“The new name of the agenda reflects that the coalition does much more than advocacy,” said Stephanie David, early childhood policy director for Healthi Kids.
The refresh process involved gathering input on priorities from more than 200 parents and community members. Staff members and coalition members gathered this feedback throughout the summer and fall while tabling at health fairs, partner events, meetings, school functions and other public events. After the feedback was compiled, staff members reviewed data with coalition members and got feedback from key coalition partners.
Major shifts include downsizing from four priority areas to three. “The Power of Play” had been its own priority area, but has now been absorbed by the other three, reflecting the importance of play for supporting all aspects of whole child health.
Healthi Kids also now has a “key strategy” focusing on family and community engagement and involvement as the central approach for doing this work well.
“The agenda now more clearly communicates the work that Healthi Kids leads and partners on in our community,” said Mike Bulger, director of Whole Child Health Advocacy.