Find Your Change-Making Party: Building Power Through Community in Public Health

collaboration community building leadership organizational change professional development systems change Mar 17, 2025

Ever feel like you're the only one in your organization pushing for real change? Like you're speaking a different language when you talk about community engagement or health equity? You're not alone. In this episode of Public Health Curated, we're exploring how to find and build your change-making party—because transforming public health isn't a solo journey, it's a community celebration.

Key Takeaways

  • Change-making power grows through intentional community building
  • Your allies might come from unexpected places and disciplines
  • Different perspectives and skills strengthen your impact
  • Small connections can lead to significant transformations

Episode Highlights

Building Your Support Network

1. The Change-Maker Mapping Exercise

Map your connections across three key circles:

  • Immediate workspace
  • Broader organization
  • Wider professional community

In each circle, identify people who:

  • Share your values about community health
  • Bring different but complementary skills
  • Have the courage to challenge the status quo

2. Creating Meaningful Connections

Transform professional relationships into powerful alliances by:

  • Finding shared values across different disciplines
  • Identifying complementary skills and resources
  • Building trust through collaborative projects
  • Celebrating small wins together

3. Nurturing Your Change-Making Party

Sustain and grow your community by:

  • Regular check-ins and support
  • Sharing resources and opportunities
  • Creating spaces for honest dialogue
  • Supporting each other's growth and learning

Success Strategies

  1. Look Beyond Job Titles

    • Find allies in unexpected places
    • Value diverse perspectives and skills
    • Create cross-disciplinary partnerships
  2. Build Authentic Relationships

    • Share your vision and values
    • Listen to others' experiences
    • Find common ground for collaboration
    • Celebrate collective wins
  3. Maintain Community Connections

    • Regular touch points
    • Shared learning opportunities
    • Mutual support systems
    • Collaborative projects

Your Action Steps

  1. Complete your Change-Maker Mapping Exercise
  2. Reach out to one potential ally this week
  3. Share your experience using #ChangeMakingParty
  4. Join our community conversations

Join the Conversation

How do you find and nurture your change-making community? Share your stories and strategies in the comments below, or join the conversation on social media using #ChangeMakingParty. Let's grow this movement of impact-shapers together!


About the Host: Veronica Sek-Shubert, MPH, is the founder of Public Health Curated and a DrPH candidate at Tulane University. With over 15 years of experience in non-for-profit and public health spaces, she's dedicated to helping professionals rediscover their spark while creating meaningful system change.