2024 Promotora Movement Building and Advocacy Highlights
Candidates Forums
Promotoras hosted two forums in February in Assembly District 27 (Madera) and City Council District 14 (Los Angeles). Candidates discussed their plans in response to community members’ concerns including affordable housing, fentanyl control, mental health services, and healthcare access for farmworkers.
National Advocacy in Washington, D.C.
In March, Visión y Compromiso advocated for the promotora workforce alongside national organizations. Events included a reception and congressional visits to emphasize the need for workforce support. Throughout the year we partnered with promotoras in the national network to advocate in their states for the support of the CHW Access Act. The CHW Access Act would encourage states to allow Community Health Worker, Promotora and Community Health Representative services to allow state Medicaid programs to cover these services and provide for an increased Medicaid federal matching rate.
California Legislative Wins
Promotoras supported 15 bills throughout the legislative session. Five (5) were signed into law:
- SB-445: Translation services for special education programs
- AB-2429: Health education on fentanyl
- SB-1132: County health officers
- AB-3161: Patient safety and anti-discrimination in health facilities
- SB-1016: Latino and Indigenous Disparities Reduction Act
Sponsoring California AB-3149
Promotoras co-developed and sponsored AB-3149 to create a Promotores Advisory and Oversight Workgroup that would guide state efforts impacting the promotoras workforce.
Mobilizing Grassroots Action for Key Bills
Promotoras rallied support for impactful legislative priorities:
- SB-227: Excluded Workers Program – 83 letters of support
- AB-3079: In-Home Supportive Services for undocumented providers – 53 letters of support
- AB-1657: Affordable Housing Bond Act – 185 letters of support
Promotora Legislative Week (May 6-10, 2024 )
Featured virtual and in-person events including a Legislative Briefing showcasing best practices for Medi-Cal programs to partner with promotoras.
Promotora Legislative Day (May 7, 2024 )
Over 150 promotoras and allies gathered in Sacramento for marches, rallies, and 100+ legislative visits to advocate for immigration, education, and health priorities. Visión y Compromiso honored legislators for being Promotora Champions during an Awards Reception.
District Visits and Ongoing Advocacy
Promotoras continued advocacy through district visits and virtual meetings to strengthen relationships with representatives.
Orange County Housing Forum
Promotoras collaborated with legislative staff and supervisors to address affordable housing, rent assistance, and eviction protections.
Mental Health Forum
Promotoras partnered with the Mental Health Services Oversight Accountability Committee (MHSOAC) to train youth leaders and support a California mental health services website.
Proclamation of October as California Promotoras Month
The California Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing October as Promotoras Month!
Advocating for Equitable Wages
Promotoras opposed Proposition 35, since the proposition did not include equitable pay for the Community Health Worker, Promotora, and Community Health Representative (CHW/P/R) workforce. Educational webinars engaged community members and partners.
Get Out the Vote Efforts
Promotoras reached over 8,000 community members through voter registration drives and civic engagement educational campaigns.
Caregiver Advocacy
In November, promotoras highlighted the needs of Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, promoting quality care and advocacy opportunities.
National Promotoras Network
Promotoras from over 20 states participated in the National Promotoras Network. Visión y Compromiso hosted seven in-person and virtual “Promotoras Transforming Families and Communities (PTFC)” core skills training cohorts with our national network. Training sessions were conducted in Washington, Mississippi, Illinois and Virginia.