“This shows how we are all connected by having similar life or work experiences. It does not matter how far we live from each other; we are still connected in some form. It also shows a common denominator, which is the willingness to help others … the fact that we are willing to help others can become a positive life changer for someone in need.” — Monica Alvarez, CHW, MHP Salud, on using her favorite Dinámica, “Unity Web.”

Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve as vital bridges to health and social resources within their communities (APHA, n.d.) – their “secret sauce” is the trusting relationships they build with those they serve. CHWs can follow these five steps, applying specific skills and qualities to create meaningful community connections:

1. Connect by Actively Listening: Take the time to understand the person’s stories and needs.
2. Respect Different Cultural Perspectives, Beliefs, and Practices: Recognize and honor diversity within the community.
3. Acknowledge Lived Experience: Value personal insights to build trust and ensure culturally appropriate support.
4. Create Safe Spaces that Promote Engagement: Establish welcoming environments that encourage open communication and participation.
5. Explore Options that Meet Current, Future, or Recurring Needs: Collaboratively identify resources to address immediate and long-term needs.

By adopting a person-centered approach, CHWs focus on understanding individuals rather than solely addressing needs and challenges (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS], n.d.).

Engaging with Marginalized and Diverse Communities

Underserved and marginalized groups including Migrant Seasonal Agricultural Workers (MSAWs) often face substantial barriers when trying to access services. While these populations may face discrimination, MSAWs also face unique challenges linked to their living and working conditions (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024).

By proactively creating meaningful engagement opportunities for our communities, we can make important progress in (Hood, Campbell, & Baker, 2023):

• Promoting health equity,
• Building trust,
• Addressing disparities, and
• Empowering communities to take charge of their health and social needs through informed decision-making.

Creating Community Connections through Dinámicas

Dinámicas serve as a valuable community-focused and person-centered tool for CHWs engaging with MSAWs communities and other vulnerable populations (The BIG Thinkers, n.d.).

By listening to the unique stories of community members, CHWs can tailor their approaches to ensure they are culturally relevant and responsive to the needs of those they serve.

Dinámicas:

• Foster inclusive environments;
• Are interactive and adaptable for various settings, including individual, group, virtual, or in-person;
• Enhance health literacy and education;
• Provide culturally sensitive activities for learning about preventive measures and resources; and
• Support diverse learning styles.

Ready to transform your community connections?

Dive into MHP Salud’s complimentary Dinámicas e-book for culturally relevant strategies and activities that empower CHWs to create meaningful engagement opportunities.

Calling all CHWs! We invite you to join us by:

• Participating in the conversation
• Sharing your stories
• Subscribing to our blog series

Reach out to us at nttap@mhpsalud.org. We want to hear about your Dinámicas experiences!

Resource:

Unity Web
Objective: Allows participants to see the interconnectedness and unity within the group through a symbolic activity.
Number of Participants: 7+
Time Required: Approx. 10 minutes
Materials: Yarn or long ribbon

Instructions:
1. Start by explaining the purpose of the activity and ensuring everyone understands the instructions.
2. Ask participants to form a circle.
3. Begin by sharing something about yourself. Once you have shared something about yourself, hold the end of the yarn or ribbon tightly and toss the rest to another participant, saying “CONNECTION.”
4. The next person shares something about themselves that connects them to the previous person’s statements. For example, if the previous person mentioned having children, the next person could say, “I also have children.” That participant then shares a couple of additional facts about themselves, then calls on someone else, holds tightly a section of ribbon or yarn, and tosses the rest to the next person, saying “CONNECTION.”
5. The next participant shares something about themselves that connects them to the precious person’s statement and calls on another participant, continuing the process.
6. Continue until everyone has had a turn to share and connect, creating a web of unity.
7. Take a moment for participants to reflect on the interconnectedness within the group.

References

American Public Health Association. (n.d.).Community health workers. https://www.apha.org/apha-communities/member-sections/community-health-workers/#:~:text=The%20CHW%20Section%20has%20adopted%20the%20following%20definition%3A,an%20unusually%20close%20understanding%20of%20the%20community%20served .

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Person-centered care. https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/key-concepts/person-centered-care

Hood, S., Campbell, B., & Baker, K. (2023). Culturally informed community engagement: Implications for inclusive science and health equity [Internet]. RTI Press. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592587/ https://doi.org/10.3768/rtipress.2023.op.0083.2301

MHP Salud. (2024). Dinámicas e-book. https://mhpsalud.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/MHP-Salud-Dinamicas-E-Book-2024.pdf

Rural Health Information Hub. (2024). Migrant health. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/migrant-heahttps://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/migrant-health

The BIG Thinkers. (n.d.). Leaving certificate politics and society: Paulo Freire. https://ncca.ie/media/2581/paulo-freire-v2.pdf