Building Power Through Community Organizing
The ABH Public Health Advocacy Fellows recently had the privilege of engaging in a powerful conversation about community organizing and its role in driving change. Our panel featured three inspiring leaders:
Dr. Justice Spriggs – Internal Medicine/Pediatrics resident & Columbia Heights City Council member
Liza Long – Senior Organizing Manager at Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Aurora Vautrin – Political Director for the 100% Campaign.
Throughout the discussion, our panelists shared key insights on organizing, leadership, and public advocacy. Here are some standout lessons:
Reliability Builds Power
Commitment and follow-through matter. Keeping promises, showing up consistently, and pushing beyond comfort zones can lead to unexpected opportunities and strengthen advocacy efforts.
Meet People Where They Are
Engagement should be accessible and inclusive. Whether through deep canvassing, community conversations, or grassroots efforts, listening and understanding local concerns are crucial to creating meaningful change.
Sustaining the Work Requires Hope
Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress isn’t always linear, but finding purpose in both victories and setbacks ensures long-term impact. Resilience and optimism fuel movements forward.
One of the most empowering messages from our panelists was this: You don’t need to be an expert to advocate—your lived experience is powerful. Whether in clinics, classrooms, or city halls, organizing happens everywhere.
The ABH Public Health Advocacy Fellowship exists to support emerging healthcare providers dedicated to equity and justice in public health. Our work is made possible through generous donations. If you’d like to help sustain this innovative and vital program, consider financially supporting the ABH Public Health Advocacy Fellowship here.