Chapter 2:

Build Community
Partnerships

29 Making CLAS Happen (2013) |Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships

 Introduction “Organizing local
resources to contribute
If the goal of culturally and linguistically appropriate services is to address to healthcare access
health disparities in your community, it follows that the community should be and health status
involved every step of the way. Partnering with community organizations is improvement is a
essential to successful cultural competence programs. As you plan for cultural critical and often
competency, maintain an ongoing dialogue with partners and grassroots neglected component of
organizations. Whether you are seeking to identify the causes of health issues the health care system.
in the community, develop programs to improve health or understand cultural
Local initiatives provide
differences, the community should be your springboard.
bridges to public and
private coverage, create
This chapter presents one approach to encourage agencies to engage and work
steps to care for those
with the community. As this occurs, community members can take ownership
who are not covered,
of their health and develop programs that are truly tailored to their needs. As
you approach community partnerships, your agency is best qualified to chart and serve as a vehicle
the course. Use data and ideas from your community to develop an action plan for investment.”
that fits your needs. – The Commonwealth
Fund 1

“Only when a community

recognizes and owns
a problem does it
take responsibility for
creating solutions that
fit the context of the
culture.”
– Cross et al. 2

Making CLAS Happen Six Areas for Action –30

30 Making CLAS Happen (2013) | Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships
 Chapter 2 Guide
FIELD LESSONS GUIDE TOOLS

Step 1. Partner with community organizations.......................................... 32

Connect with community organizations (CHNAs)....................................... 32
Seek joint funding and build coalitions........................................................ 33
Step 2. Involve community stakeholders................................................... 34
Cultural brokers........................................................................................... 34
Community health workers......................................................................... 34
Step 3. Engage client participation at all levels.......................................... 35
Involve the community in health research.................................................... 35
Participation in the health care process........................................................ 36
Client satisfaction assessments..................................................................... 36
Step 4. Share CLAS progress...................................................................... 37
Sharing progress with the community.......................................................... 37
Informing the public of available data.......................................................... 37
CHECKLIST CASE STUDIES Case Study 2:
FIELD LESSONS Metta: A
GUIDE Model for Culturally Competent Care.................. 39
TOOLS

Tools
2.1: Attracting Clients from Diverse Populations.......................................... 44
GUIDE TOOLS 2.2: Resources for Community Partnering.................................................... 46
2.3: Social Marketing Resources................................................................... 53
Community Collaboration Checklist......................................................... 41
LAWS CHECKLIST CASE STUDIES FIELD LESSONS GUIDE TOOLS
CLAS Standards Covered
Standard 13: Partner with the community to design, implement, and
evaluate policies, practices and services to ensure cultural and linguistic
appropriateness.
Standard 15: Communicate the organization’s progress in implementing and
sustaining CLAS to all stakeholders, constituents and the general public.

31 Making CLAS Happen (2013) |Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships

 Step 1: Partner local coalitions of public, non-profit “When designing
and private sectors working together culturally- and
with Community to build healthier communities in age-appropriate
Organizations Massachusetts through community- programs, you
based prevention planning and health absolutely must
In interviews with the Massachusetts
promotion. Joining a CHNA can include the
Department of Public Health,
offer the opportunity to work and community in the
Massachusetts providers described
partner with others, network and process. Involve
successful community and interagency
share ideas on how to build healthier them in planning
collaborations. Many noted the
communities and participate in and also as board
powerful impact of community
designing and implementing health advisors.”
partnerships in their programs.3 Every
improvement projects. CHNAs are
area of the CLAS standards—from - A Boston public
found throughout Massachusetts and
data collection to language access— health professional
participation is open to all. For more
can be strengthened with community
information, visit http://www.mass.
collaboration.
gov/dph/ohc.
Based on discussions with
Massachusetts public health agencies
and on promising practices,4, 5 the Maintain Ongoing
following outlines key strategies in Community health
Communication initiatives can6:
developing community partnerships.
The key to strong partnerships is to
maintain an ongoing dialogue with n  onnect uninsured
C
Connect with Community community partners. Get to know people to health
Organizations local leaders and open the lines of care services.
n Unite community
Build relationships with key communication. You can then work
leaders, providers
organizations in your community. together to understand important and stakeholders.
Reach out to grassroots organizations health issues and seek to develop n Build good-faith
that share your goals, such as: solutions from the ground up. You relationships
community-based organizations, can stay connected as you: to reduce
refugee assistance programs, uncompensated
n  articipate in town hall meetings
P care.
community health agencies,
and forums. n Support the local
youth and family organizations,
volunteer organizations, faith-based n  ave staff regularly spend time in
H safety net.
organizations, local schools, and the community. Source: The
universities. Commonwealth
n I nvite community members to share Fund (2007)
One excellent way to connect with
their knowledge.
other organizations is through the
Massachusetts Community Health n  ork with cultural brokers (see
W
Network Areas (CHNAs). CHNAs are Glossary).

See:
Tool 2.2: Strategies
for Community
GUIDE TOOLS Partnering

Making CLAS Happen Six Areas for Action –32

32 Making CLAS Happen (2013) | Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships
Seek Joint Funding Collaborate Collaborating can
Successful partnerships benefit all. help you reach more
Many agencies echoed the importance
Collaborating can help you reach people, identify
of seeking joint funding with
more people, identify potential potential job
community partners, such as co-
job candidates, share and learn candidates, share
writing grants with partners or
information, and improve the services and learn
contracting community programs
you offer. You can work with partners information, and
to deliver services. Allocating funds
to advertise job openings, identify improve the services
to community-based organizations
interpreting resources, and organize you offer.
can show true commitment and add
momentum to grassroots solutions. health-promotion activities.

Build Coalitions
Your agency is only one agent of
change. Your impact can be multiplied
when you join others in identifying
and creating solutions. To increase
your reach, build coalitions with
community partners. For example:

n  ork on joint steering committees

W
and coalitions.
n S ponsor or participate in health
fairs, cultural festivals and
celebrations.
n S hare information through local
radio stations, cable stations and
newspapers.
n  ffer education and training
O
opportunities.

Leverage and Share Resources

Identify community assets and
factor them into your programs.
One Holyoke agency worked with
a local farm and the city’s YMCA to
offer a summer camp for youth. By
creatively using existing resources in
the community, the agency was able
to develop a low-cost program to meet
their youth wellness goals.
Sharing resources and expertise
with the community can help
strengthen partnerships. For example,
you can offer your space as a resource
for community meetings.

33 Making CLAS Happen (2013) |Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships

 Step 2: Involve Research shows community health
workers improve health outcomes
“Community partnering
is not just about getting
Community among racially, ethnically and people into care. For
Stakeholders linguistically diverse populations.8 By
serving as the bridge between clients
us, it means knowing
if people can buy their
As a public health agency, you are not and health services, they improve medications, if they
likely to have all the answers to the access to primary health care, reduce have access to decent
health problems that exist in your costs, improve quality and reduce fruits and vegetables,
community. However, when you engage health disparities.9 if they feel safe enough
and involve key community partners Cultural brokers can be a to go on a walk in
tremendous help to your organization. their neighborhoods.”
in your advisory boards and planning
As clients feel more involved in what
committees, you may identify the most –A
 Holyoke public
you do, they will develop a sense of
efficient, tailored solutions. By engaging ownership and belonging. You can health professional
community stakeholders, you can transfer involve cultural brokers by having
ownership of health issues back to the them:
community.
n Serve on advisory boards/
These key partners are often referred
committees.
to as cultural brokers because they
connect and mediate two different n  ffer feedback to improve services
O
cultures: yours and that of your client. and determine topics for training.
Cultural brokers (see Glossary) n Oversee the grievance process.
are people from your community
who can serve as a bridge between n Identify potential employees.
your agency and people of different n Present cultural information at staff
cultural backgrounds. meetings or trainings.
Cultural brokers should be familiar
with the health system and with
the community in which they live.
They can become a valuable source
of cultural information, serve as
mediators in conflicts and serve as
agents for change.7
Community health workers (see
Glossary) are natural cultural brokers.
Community health workers generally
work at the grassroots level offering
informal counseling and social
support, health education, advocacy,
referral and follow-up services.
Ideally, they are bicultural or bilingual
and have first hand knowledge of
their clients’ health and culture.

For more on cultural brokers,

visit http://www.culturalbroker.info
For more on community health workers, visit
GUIDE TOOLS
http://www.mphaweb.org/MACHWResources.htm

Making CLAS Happen Six Areas for Action –34

34 Making CLAS Happen (2013) | Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships
 Step 3: Engage Participation in Cultural Patients on Board
Client Participation Competence Planning “Our board of
directors includes
At All Levels Involving clients and families in
a Patient Care
advisory boards is essential to
Engaging client participation at all planning programs that truly match Committee. Fifty-one
levels involves transferring ownership community needs. Clients can offer a percent of the board
of health issues directly to clients. unique point of view and keep your is made up of
You can work with the community agency connected to the needs of the patients, parents or
to research health issues, raise people you serve. families of patients.
awareness, engage and empower They are not shy
clients to take action on improving about bringing up
their health. Improve Awareness and issues of access
Involve the Community in Access to Services to the board. The
community is very
Health Research Having certain services available
much at the table.”
Agencies can understand local health does not mean that clients will use
issues and make health research more them. While making sure that clients –A Worcester public
accessible to the communities through are aware of services is important, health professional
community-based participatory ensuring that services match the real
research (CBPR). In community-based needs of the community is essential.
“Don’t go into a
participatory research, community- This is where community connections
community to fix
based organizations help researchers can play a key role. To identify
something unless
recruit subjects and play a direct role any gaps, talk to local community
you’ve asked what
in designing and conducting research providers. Find out where people are
they need. You can’t
studies.10 Community members then going for services. Is there a demand?
fix people--you have
share the research findings directly Is that demand being met? What
to work with people.”
with the community. For more on can your program do to ensure that
CBPR, visit http://www.ahrq.gov/ potential clients can access your –Carol Horowitz,
research/cbprrole.htm. services? MD, Mt. Sinai
Medical Center

See:
Tool 1.3: Improving
Access to Service
GUIDE TOOLS

35 Making CLAS Happen (2013) |Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships

$¢
Participation in the Health
Care Process
Improving Access
While offering information in the
BUDGET language
LAWS of your CHECKLIST
clients may not
CASE STUDIES FIELD LESSONS GUIDE TOOLS
ensure their participation, it is
an important first step. You can Use local media to promote
encourage active client participation health messages and services.
in the health process by offering (e.g., local radio, public television,
information in a language and literacy community newspapers, bulletins).
level that clients can understand. As Offer extended hours.
your clients’ comfort level with health Use marketing and outreach to
information increases, so will their engage the public.
ability to become active drivers of Offer transportation vouchers.
their health. Provide services in accessible areas.
Client Satisfaction
Assessments
Client-centered care is based on
understanding client needs. Through
client feedback (from surveys, focus
groups, and one-to-one interactions)
you can learn how well your services
match client needs. You can then use
client feedback to improve services and
programs. Also, consider keeping track
of client complaints, interpreter services
records and demographic data.

Making CLAS Happen Six Areas for Action –36

36 Making CLAS Happen (2013) | Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships
 Step 4: Share CLAS n  column in the local newspaper
A “Radio is key. We
n E-mails with updates, meeting participate in radio
Progress information shows to promote
As you work with cultural brokers n Agency Web site, updated regularly
healthy living and to
and community organizations you spread the word about
n B logs
will learn of population trends, where people can
n N  ewsletters
cultural nuances, preferences, and access services.”
n P resentations at community meetings
needs. No doubt, this knowledge can
benefit your organization. Exchanging n Spreading the word through coalitions –A
 Lawrence public
cultural competence knowledge n F  lyers translated into various languages health professional
benefits the whole community. n Open house

Sharing Knowledge and Social Marketing Plans

Experience Developing a social marketing
In successful partnerships, sharing plan can help you organize your
promotion efforts. A social marketing
knowledge tends to happen naturally.
plan is a detailed strategy of how to
You may learn of a good way to share
share messages with the public in
nutrition advice with lower-literacy
meaningful ways. A social marketing
populations. Or perhaps you find
plan helps to define what your message
out that a new refugee population
is, whom you would like to reach, how
will be arriving soon and will require
you will present your message, what
interpreting in a different language. You
media you will use to share it, and
can share that information with partners when and how often you will share it.
and ask them for ideas, share resources
and experiences. The goal of partnering Informing the Public of
is to create a network where you can Available Information
exchange ideas and information.
Sharing knowledge and data can
help others improve and tailor their
Sharing Progress with the services. As you share information,
Community ensure client confidentiality. Some
If your organization has worked hard ways to share information may
to develop tailored programs for the include the following:
community, make it known. Think of n P ost notices of available data in media
ways to promote health messages and outlets.
increase awareness of your services. n Offer links to updated demographic

Some ways to promote your agency data in your Web site.

may include: n Share information in meetings and

n Printed materials about your cultural coalitions.

competence mission and services n C
 reate client brochures and bulletin
n Participation in radio and local cable
boards.
shows See Chapter 3: Collect Diversity Data

See:
Tool 2.3: Social
Marketing Tools
GUIDE TOOLS

37 Making CLAS Happen (2013) |Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships

 Conclusion
Working with the community is
essential. As you partner with others,
you can stay connected and build
joint capacities. You will be better
prepared to understand and treat
racially, ethnically and linguistically
diverse clients as you:
1)  Partner with community
organizations;
2) Involve community stakeholders;
3) Engage client participation; and
4) Share CLAS progress.

Making CLAS Happen Six Areas for Action –38

38 Making CLAS Happen (2013) | Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships
 “We set out to build
Case Study 2: Metta Health Center of Lowell a health center
Community Center: A Model for Culturally that would become
Competent Care an integral part
CHECKLIST CASE STUDIES FIELD LESSONS GUIDE TOOLS
of the Southeast
Asian community
The Agency: Lowell Community Health Center in Lowell—a place
Services: Primary medical care, behavioral health services, HIV/AIDS where they would
services, nutrition, social services, community education,
feel comfortable, that
and youth development programs
offered services they
Client Diversity:  White (35%), Latino (29%), Asian (27%), Black
(African immigrants) (8%); 51% of clients are best could understand, and
served in a language other than English that were relevant to
their needs.”
Background Partner with community –D
 orcas Grigg-
organizations Saito, CEO, Lowell
The Lowell Community Health Center
(LCHC) offers services to many people Partnerships have been essential Community Health
who otherwise might not seek or receive to the success of Metta. LCHC Center
consistent health care. LCHC is deeply is committed to partnering with
involved in ethnically and economically grassroots organizations in every area
diverse Lowell—home to the second- of service delivery by:
largest Cambodian community in the
n  uilding subcontracting opportunities
B
United States. The majority (93%) of
for partners into grants. Currently,
LCHC patients are below the federal
10 community-based organizations
poverty level; 13% of their patients
have subcontracts with LCHC.
are uninsured.
n Participating in community
Challenge programs and leasing space from
In 1999, the Lowell Community the Cambodian Mutual Assistance
Health Center received federal Association.
funding to develop a new site focused
on improving access to health care n  reating significant partnerships
C
to the Southeast Asian community with the Massachusetts Alliance for
(primarily Cambodian, Lao and Portuguese Speakers (MAPS), the
Vietnamese) in Lowell. African Assistance Center and the
Latin American Health Institute.
Approach
The LCHC team built the Metta Involve community stakeholders
model for culturally competent health LCHC began by asking key members
care from the ground up. LCHC’s of the Southeast Asian community,
Metta Health Center was highlighted “If you could design the ideal health
by the Cross Cultural Health Care center, what would it look like?” The
Program (www.xculture.org) in a community has remained involved
report commissioned by the federal in every facet of planning and service
Office of Minority Health. delivery through:
Metta, which means “loving n Communication with cultural
kindness” in the Buddhist Pali language,
brokers (see Glossary) for cultural
is the culmination of an effort that
insights and feedback
involved Lowell’s Southeast Asian
community every step of the way. n Focus groups in the community

39 Making CLAS Happen (2013) |Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships

 Case Study 2: Metta: A Model for Culturally Competent Care (cont.) “We put a lot of thought
into the Metta Health
n  iring employees who reflect the
H Share cultural competence Center. We really
community. Most Metta staff are knowledge involved the community
either Cambodian or Lao or have LCHC promotes health through from the very
vast cross-cultural experience. a number of outreach programs beginning in planning
including: health education, literacy the center and the
Engage client participation training, support groups, exercise types of services we
As a community health center, LCHC programs, cable TV and radio, and would offer there. As a
maintains a consumer-majority board programs for seniors and youth. result, Metta feels like
of directors that is representative of Effective outreach has helped improve part of the community.”
the diverse communities served. This health awareness in the community. It – Dorcas Grigg-
ensures that clients remain engaged has also strengthened communication Saito, CEO, Lowell
and critical community issues are between clients and staff. Community Health
at the forefront in planning and Center
evaluation.

A welcoming environment helps

clients feel at home. The Metta Health
Center is modeled after health centers
in Cambodia. Cambodian artwork
hangs on the walls and clients are
welcomed by diverse staff that speaks
their language. Metta also offers
culturally relevant services, through
a West-meets-East approach to health
care. Western health care and mental
health services are integrated with
Eastern practices like acupuncture,
massage therapy, Buddhist monk
consultation and traditional healers.

Choosing native locations has also

helped LCHC engage clients. The
Metta Health Center is located in the
same building as the Cambodian
Mutual Association, a place that
many clients were already visiting for
English as a Second Language (ESL)
classes, day care, social services and
elder programs.

LCHC also sponsors a number of

community advisory groups including
the African Advisory Council,
the Southeast Asian Task Force,
Portuguese and Spanish-speaking
Promotores, and the Cambodian
Elders Health Council, among others.

Making CLAS Happen Six Areas for Action –40

40 Making CLAS Happen (2013) | Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships
 Chapter 2 Checklist: Community Collaboration
LAWS CHECKLIST CASE STUDIES FIELD LESSONS GUIDE TOOLS

This checklist includes suggested ways for programs to improve cultural

competence. See Appendix A: CLAS Self-Assessment Tool for measures used by the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health in contract monitoring and RFRs.

Step 1. Partner with Community Organizations

❍ List of community and interagency partners
❍ P
 articipation in Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs)
❍ P
 articipation in community coalitions and steering committees
❍ P
 articipation in community forums, town hall meetings, etc.
❍ G
 rants co-written with community partners
❍ C
 ontracts for services awarded to community-based organizations

Step 2. Involve Community Stakeholders

❍ Documentation of client or community focus groups/community discussions
❍ S ponsorships/documented participation in health fairs, cultural events
or celebrations
❍ I nclusion of culturally relevant information from community sources in
trainings/staff meetings
❍ C
 ultural brokers involved in planning committees/coalitions

Step 3. Engage Client Participation at All Levels

❍ Research design/findings of community-based participatory research
❍ C
 lients and members representative of the community involved in board of
directors (persons representing diverse races, cultural and religious groups,
LGBT, disabilities, adult learners, military veterans)
❍ C
 ommunity stakeholders involved in overseeing grievance processes
❍ Cultural presentations by community stakeholders in staff meetings/trainings
❍ E
 vents organized in collaboration with community groups
❍ P
 rogram improvement measures (linked to client satisfaction data)

Step 4. Share CLAS Progress

❍ Social marketing plan with proven outreach strategies
❍ P
 articipation in local radio or cable programs or columns/articles in local
newspapers
❍ C
 opies of media messages/Public Service Announcements
❍ Printed materials (brochures, flyers) about your organization’s CLAS initiatives
❍ Notices
 of availability of disparities information, education materials

41 Making CLAS Happen (2013) |Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships

 Chapter 2 References
1. M
 inyard, K., D. Chollet, L. Felland et al. 2007. Lessons from Local Access
Initiatives: Contributions and Challenges. The Commonwealth Fund.
2. Cross, T. et al. 1989. Towards a Culturally Competent System of Care: A
Monograph on Effective Services for Minority Children Who Are Severely
Emotionally Disturbed. Georgetown University Child Development Center,
Washington, DC. CASSP Technical Assistance Center.
3. M
 assachusetts Department of Public Health. 2009. Interviews conducted
April 2008 – February 2009. Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Office of Health Equity.
 . Martinez and E. Van Buren. 2008. The cultural and linguistic competence
4. K
implementation guide. Washington, DC: Technical Assistance Partnership for
Child and Family Mental Health. Available at http://www.tapartnership.org/
cc/.
5. QSource: The Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Tennessee.
CLAS Standards Implementation Tips. Available from http://www.qsource.org/
uqiosc.
6. See 1.
 eorgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence.
7. G
Cultural Broker. National Center for Cultural Competence. http://www.
culturalbroker.info.
8. Minnesota Department of Health. Community Health Workers. Minnesota
Department of Health. http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/refugee/
immigrant/chw.html.
9. Massachusetts Department of Public Health. 2005. Community Health
Workers: Essential to Improving Health in Massachusetts. Findings from the
Massachusetts Community Health Worker Survey. Boston: Massachusetts
Department of Public Health.
 ssociation for Healthcare Research and Quality. Community-Based
10. A
Participatory Research. Association for Healthcare Research and Quality.
http://www.ahrq.gov/research/cbprrole.htm

Making CLAS Happen Six Areas for Action –42

42 Making CLAS Happen (2013) | Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships
 Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships

Tools

2.1: Attracting Clients from Diverse Populations

2.2: Strategies for Community Partnering
2.3: Social Marketing Resources

43 Making
43 Making
CLASCLAS
Happen | Chapter
Happen (2013) |Chapter
2: Build 2: Build Partnerships
Community Community Partnerships
 Tool 2.1: Attracting and Retaining Clients
from Diverse Populations
GUIDE TOOLS

Use this exercise to think of ways to better attract and retain clients from each of
the population groups in your service area. As you work with diverse community
partners, approach each organization and ask:

1. How do new members of your community usually choose health services?

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

2. W
 hat are the five most important criteria in choosing a health service? What
can we do to make this group of people choose to use our services?
________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

3. W
 hat are the five major reasons that members of your community feel
dissatisfied or leave a health agency?
________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

 as anyone from your community left our organization for any of the reasons
4. H
listed above? If so, for what specific reason?
________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

 ow can our agency and your community organization partner to:

5. H
a. Improve health access for your community?
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

b. Improve the overall health of community members?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Making CLAS Happen Six Areas for Action –44

44 Making CLAS Happen (2013) | Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships
Tool 2.1: Attracting and Retaining Clients from Diverse Populations (cont.)

c. Use education and training to reduce common health problems and

illnesses?
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

d. Build confidence and trust in our organization within your community?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

6. D
 o you have other suggestions for partnering?
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

From: Salimbene, Susan. 2001. CLAS A-Z: A Practical Guide for Implementing the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate
Services (CLAS) in Health Care. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Office of Minority Health.

45 Making CLAS Happen (2013) |Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships

 Tool 2.2: Resources for Community Partnering
GUIDE TOOLS

Resources for Community Collaboration

Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs)
Massachusetts Office of Healthy Communities
http://www.mass.gov/dph/ohc
CHNAs are local coalitions of public, non-profit and private sectors working
together to build healthier communities in Massachusetts through community-
based prevention planning and health promotion.

Bridging the Cultural Divide in Health Care Settings: The Essential Role of
Cultural Broker Programs.
National Center for Cultural Competence, Georgetown University
http://www.culturalbroker.info
This information guide offers an overview of cultural brokers, including
definitions, benefits and ideas.

The Collaboration Primer: Proven Strategies, Considerations and Tools to

Get You Started
The Health Research and Educational Trust
http:// www.hret.org/upload/resources/collaboration-primer.pdf
This primer compiles hands-on advice and resources to foster collaboration,
including principles of collaboration, checklists, examples of model collaboratives
and a tool to assess the status of collaborative efforts.

Community-Campus Partnerships for Health

http://www.ccph.info
A national nonprofit organization that supports Community-Based Participatory
Research (CBPR) partnerships, CCPH maintains a Web site of CBPR resources,
including definitions, principles, tools, reports and presentations, journal articles,
syllabuses and course materials, Web links, electronic discussion groups, and more.

The Community Toolbox

http://ctb.ku.edu
The Community Tool Box is the world’s largest resource for free information on
essential skills for building health communities. It includes promising practices,
a workstation, toolkits, troubleshooting guides, a newsletter, links to online
resources and advisor forums.

Critical MASS for eliminating health disparities

http://www.enddisparities.org
Critical MASS is a statewide coalition focused on the elimination of health
disparities in Massachusetts. The coalition works to build a statewide
multicultural network, develop a clearinghouse for current research and initiatives
related to health disparities, and create a statewide strategic planning process.

Making CLAS Happen Six Areas for Action –46

46 Making CLAS Happen (2013) | Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships
Tool 2.2: Resources for Community Partnering (cont.)
Taking Community ACTION on health disparities
Critical Mass Toolkit
http://www.enddisparities.org/criticalmasstoolkit.html
Designed to help communities and grassroots coalitions take charge in the
fight against disparities. The toolkit offers an overview of the causes and
impacts of disparities in health, an overview of how to look for data and health
patterns and using group action as a strategy to address health disparities in
communities. Cost for the toolkit is $15 for organizations, schools and libraries;
free for individual community members.

Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations

http://www.macdc.org/docs/aboutus.html
This association has as its mission to support and advance the affordable
housing, economic development and community building strategies of
members, and to build the power of low- and moderate-income people to
achieve greater economic, social and racial justice.

Massachusetts Association of Community Health Workers

http://www.mphaweb.org/MACHW.htm
A statewide network of community health workers (CHWs) from all disciplines.
Founded in 2000 to enable CHWs to lead the movement to organize, define and
strengthen the profession of community health work.

Massachusetts Community Health Information Profile (MassCHIP)

http:// www.mass.gov/eohhs/researcher/community-health/masschip
The Massachusetts Community Health Information Profile offers free online
access to community-level data, including health and social indicators.

Office of Healthy Communities, Regional Centers for Healthy Communities

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
http://www.mass.gov/dph/departments/dph/programs/admin/regional-
health-offices
The Regional Centers for Healthy Communities provide technical assistance
to Massachusetts public health organizations aiming to build community
partnerships, foster interagency collaborations and better serve communities.
Programs offered by RCHCs include community leadership development, data
and support, and resource libraries. Contact information for the seven state
Regional Centers for Healthy Communities can be found through this Web site.

Office of Health Equity

Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH)
http://www.mass.gov/dph/healthequity
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Office of Health Equity
coordinates activities within MDPH to promote the optimal health and well-
being of immigrant, refugee and racial and ethnic minority communities
statewide. The site offers helpful links and resources.

47 Making CLAS Happen (2013) |Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships

 Tool 2.2: Resources for Community Partnering (cont.)
Massachusetts Ethnic Media
Professionals involved with ethnic media work closely with diverse communities
and are often involved in organizing community workshops, career fairs and
festivals. Partnering with key media can be a powerful way to become more
involved in the communities you serve.

Ethnic Media Project

UMass Boston Center on Media and Society
http://www.umb.edu/cms
The Center on Media and Society at UMass Boston offers an excellent,
comprehensive directory of ethnically and linguistically diverse media in
Massachusetts. The site is constantly updated and offers links and contact
information for ethnic cable, radio, television, online media, magazines,
newspapers and newspapers throughout the state.

Community Education and Immigrant Service Organizations

Organizations dedicated to educating and assisting minorities, immigrants and
refugees are natural partners for community change.

Community Health Education Center (CHEC)

http://www.bphc.org/programs/chec
CHEC strives to enhance the capacity of outreach educators to provide outreach
and health education to the diverse communities of Boston. Offers trainings and
a network of outreach educators.

International Institute of New England (IINE)

http://www.iine.org
IINE provides a continuum of services that foster the successful transition of
immigrants and refugees. The Institute promotes self-sufficiency to give clients
the tools to help themselves become active participants in the social, political
and economic richness of American life.

Massachusetts Immigrant Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA)

http://www.miracoalition.org
MIRA works to advocate for the rights and opportunities of immigrants and
refugees through education, training, leadership development, organizing, policy
analysis and advocacy. The MIRA web site offers links to legal service providers,
reports, and an action center.

Massachusetts Mutual Assistance Associations

Making CLAS Happen Six Areas for Action –48

48 Making CLAS Happen (2013) | Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships
Tool 2.2: Resources for Community Partnering (cont.)
http:// www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/specific-populations/refugees-
asylees/maa.html
Mutual Assistance Associations (MAAs) assist refugees and immigrants in the
process of adjusting to a new country. Through education, social and other
support services, MAAs are closely linked with communities of diverse cultures.
The URL above links to a directory (in PDF format) of Mutual Assistance
Associations throughout Massachusetts.

Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians

http://www.cityofboston.gov/newbostonians
The Office of New Bostonians was established in 1998 to meet the needs of
the growing and changing immigrant and newcomer communities in Boston.
Its mission is to strengthen the ability of immigrants and diverse communities
to fully participate in the economic, civic, social and cultural life of the city of
Boston, and to promote the commemoration and public understanding of the
contributions of immigrants.

National Voluntary Agencies (VOLAGs)

Web sites for the national agencies that, through their local affiliates, resettle
refugees in the U.S.
n National Council of Churches http://www.nationalcouncilofchurches.us
n Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/emm
n Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) http://www.ecdc.org
n Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (JFS) http://www.hias.org
n U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants http://www.refugees.org
n International Rescue Committee (IRC) http://www.rescue.org
n Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service (LSS) http://www.lirs.org
n U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) http://www.nccbuscc.org
n World Relief (WR) http://www.worldrelief.org

Partnership for Healthcare Excellence

http://www.partnershipforhealthcare.org
Dedicated to helping Massachusetts consumers improve the quality of their
health care. The partnership believes having patients who are educated,
active and engaged is one of the best ways to improve the safety, quality and
effectiveness of health care for everyone. The partnership seeks to educate
the public about variations in health care quality, provide consumers with
information and tools to improve their health care, and encourage consumers to
become advocates for change in the health care system.

Massachusetts Cultural, Ethnic, LGBT, Disabilities Associations

Asian American Civic Association, Inc.

49 Making CLAS Happen (2013) |Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships

 Tool 2.2: Resources for Community Partnering (cont.)
http://www.aaca-boston.org
This association provides limited-English speaking and economically
disadvantaged people with education, occupational training and social services
enabling them to realize lasting economic self-sufficiency. AACA offers:
workforce development; education (ESOL, Mandarin and acculturation classes
for business people); assistance with immigration, housing, health insurance
and primary care, translation and interpretation, college support; and youth
leadership development.
Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Youth (BAGLY)
http://www.bagly.org
A youth-led, adult-sponsored organization that creates, sustains and advocates
programs and policies for the Boston, Massachusetts youth GLBT community.
Cross Disability Advocacy Coalition of the Disability Law Center (CDAC)
http://www.dlc-ma.org/CDAC
The CDAC seeks to build a powerful constituency influencing legislation and
positive change that improves the lives of persons with disabilities.
India Association of Greater Boston
http://www.iagb.org
The premier Indian-American organization in New England representing the
Indian-American community in the Greater Boston area, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire and Rhode Island. A socio-cultural organization, it offers links to
events and other Indian associations.
Japan Society of Boston
http://www.us-japan.org/boston
A non-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening
communication, understanding, and enlightened relations between the people
of Japan and Massachusetts. Offers Japanese classes, education and a job bank.
Latin American Health Institute
http://www.lhi.org
A community-based public health organization serving over 25,000 Latin
American families and individuals annually through direct care programs.
Focused on addressing health concerns, strengthening families and developing
community resources, LHI works with public and private organizations across
a wide range of issues in five areas: research, policy, education, service and
technical assistance.
Massachusetts Commission on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender
Youth
http://www.mass.gov/cgly
This independent agency investigates the use of resources to improve the ability
of state agencies to provide services that protect and support the health and
safety of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) youth in the schools and
communities of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar
http://www.masslgbtqbar.org
Professional association of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer lawyers.

Making CLAS Happen Six Areas for Action –50

50 Making CLAS Happen (2013) | Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships
Tool 2.2: Resources for Community Partnering (cont.)
National Asian Women’s Health Organization
http://www.nawho.org
This national nonprofit health organization has as its mission to achieve health
equity for Asian women and families.
Network of Arab American Professionals
http://www.naaponline.org/boston
NAAP-Boston serves the Arab and Arab-American community by promoting
professional networking and social interaction among Arab-American and Arab
professionals.
Network of South Asian Professionals of Boston
http://www.netsapboston.org
A professional, not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the professional,
political, cultural and civic needs of the Indian and South Asian community in
the Greater Boston area.
Partners for Youth with Disabilities
http://www.pyd.org
Develops and sustains programs that promote inclusive practices, self-esteem,
creativity, healthy lifestyles and career development for youth and young adults
aged 6-24 who have disabilities.
Saheli Boston – Friendship for South Asian Women
http://www.saheliboston.org
Founded in 1996 as an affiliate of the India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB),
provides support, guidance and resources in the areas of career and economic
empowerment, physical and mental health, legal and immigration issues, support
for families, and social and cultural volunteer opportunities.

51 Making CLAS Happen (2013) |Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships

 Tool 2.2: Resources for Community Partnering (cont.)
Turkish Cultural Center of Boston
http://www.turkishcenterboston.org
A nonprofit organization devoted to the promotion of Turkish culture and language.
Vietnamese American Civic Association
http://www.vacaboston.org
A multi-service Mutual Assistance Association dedicated to promoting family
self-sufficiency and well-being and to facilitating community empowerment
among the Vietnamese population of Greater Boston. Offers ESOL classes,
citizenship classes, health awareness and outreach activities, social services
counseling, youth programming, elderly services and employment services.
Young Black Women’s Society Incorporated
http://www.ybws.org
An organization that is committed to empowering and advocating for black
women between the ages of 21 and 35 through social activities, professional
development, and community involvement.

Events and Festivals

Massachusetts Cultural Council
http://www.massculturalcouncil.org
Massachusetts Cultural and LGBT Events
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
http://www.massvacation.com/events
http://www.lgbtmassvacation.com
Boston Pride
http:// www.bostonpride.org

Health Fairs
Health fairs offer an excellent venue for public health agencies to get to know
others and become known in the community. Check with local hospitals, ethnic
media and cultural organizations to identify upcoming health fairs and events.

Making CLAS Happen Six Areas for Action –52

52 Making CLAS Happen (2013) | Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships
 Tool 2.3: Social Marketing Resources
GUIDE TOOLS

National Center for Health Marketing

HHS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http:// www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication
The CDC Office of Communication, along with communication directors and
staff throughout CDC, provides expert consultation and research using the
social marketing approach. This Web site offers a number of resources on social
marketing, including an introduction to marketing, best practices, eHealth
marketing tips and partnerships. The Resources & Tools section is particularly
helpful, offering links to campaign creation tools, media resources, templates,
health literacy resources, evaluation tools and links to professional organizations.

Making Health Communications Work (the Pink Book)

http:// www.cancer.gov/pinkbook
The Pink Book offers a step-by-step guide to health communications, available
free of charge, on the Web.
Social Marketing Plan Template
Technical Assistance Partnership
http://tapartnership.org/docs/social_marketing_plan_template.doc
A free downloadable template to develop a social marketing plan.

Turning Point
http:// www.turningpointprogram.org
Turning Point is an initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation offering
a number of social marketing materials including social marketing guidebooks,
videos, CDs and training guides. Though the program has closed, many of the
products are archived online and still available for download.

53 Making CLAS Happen (2013) |Chapter 2: Build Community Partnerships