We need every tool available to protect the future we want for ourselves and our families.
Every one of us deserves to live in a strong democracy where we have a say, where systems support us in pursuing our dreams, and where we can lead our healthiest lives. But this past year has made painfully clear how people currently in power are determined to undermine our freedom and perpetuate inequities based on race, class, and other factors. As they work to reverse hard-fought gains by rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion, cutting Medicaid, SNAP, undermining public health data, endangering the health of children, and more, communities across the country are refusing to stand by and surrender our future. In small towns and big cities alike, neighbors are banding together to build community power. Storytellers are proactively shaping public conversations with narratives rooted in hope and solidarity. And advocates are sharing knowledge and insights to inform equitable and inclusive policies.
To strengthen and sustain these efforts, now more than ever we must use every tool at our disposal. We believe these resources and insights can inform efforts to shape and protect the future we want for ourselves and our families.
Open the door to the Health Equity Narrative House.
The Health Equity Narrative House is a practical tool for advancing health equity across social justice spaces. Its creators note how the existing narrative terrain requires "a long-term narrative and solidarity infrastructure that supports movements and reclaiming the power to define belonging, freedom, and sovereignty ". Join artists, storytellers, and communities who are building this infrastructure together. Use the Narrative House to:·
- Shape consistent, repeatable messaging grounded in shared values for your campaigns
- Use unifying narratives to counter divisive rhetoric that fosters apathy
- Share visuals and frameworks to help your community see themselves in a future that prioritizes freedom and belonging.
Learn from movement leaders.
FRESH Speakers is a speakers bureau that recognizes "not everyone worthy of being heard has a million followers on Instagram". To disrupt the status quo and uproot inequitable cultural and social norms, they are elevating voices of diverse leaders who bring personal commitment, creativity, and innovation to local and global solutions. Its vibrant website offers eye-opening lessons and perspectives. Dive in to:
- Access a directory of speakers addressing a wide range of topics like equity, tech, health, policy, and more
- Listen to the Greenroom podcast, which offers actionable insights about narrative change and communication strategy
- Learn about a digital training program that will help you develop your thought leadership.
Show how equity differs from equality.
When it comes to health equity, one size does NOT fit all. We’ve developed shareable graphics that visually convey what health equity truly means and why it matters. You can use these graphics to inspire and educate by using them:
- In presentations at your organization or community spaces
- Across social media channels to inform online conversations
- By sharing with your neighbors, friends, family, and all allies committed to advancing health equity.
Make your digital content accessible.
Any individual or organization committed to inclusion understands that accessibility is non-negotiable. While the administration has taken measures to weaken disability rights and protections, accessible digital content is critical to resisting these efforts and maintaining a commitment to equity and inclusion. This digital accessibility guide will help you:
- Take steps toward shaping accessible website, social media, and other content
- Train your organization or coalition in inclusive digital practices
- Shape plain, accessible language in all your communications.
Are you a caregiver feeling squeezed? This podcast can help.
Actress and producer Yvette Nicole Brown made the “toughest best decision” when she decided to become a caregiver to her father. She hosts the Squeezed podcast to prepare all of us who will eventually need care or become caregivers. Tune in to understand:
- How to navigate our country’s caregiving crisis, find care, and cope with the chronic stress
- Legal challenges that come with caring for your loved ones
- How cuts to Medicaid affect us ALL
- How to talk about caregiving with employers, family, friends, and neighbors to build understanding and empathy.
Explore nonpartisan data by congressional district.
The NYU Grossman School of Medicine developed the Congressional District Health Dashboard, which incorporates 36 key measures of health and conditions that affect it. It was updated in 2025 with new data, metrics, and features. Use the dashboard to:
- Ground your advocacy in nonpartisan data
- Help local officials understand their constituents’ needs
- Inform campaigns, storytelling, and messaging with rigorous facts.
Use this practical health and well-being toolkit to support your local efforts.
The ALIGN for Health and Well-Being Toolkit is organized into a series of modules that foster conversation about opportunities and challenges to advancing health and well-being. The toolkit will help you engage your community in:
- Shaping wellbeing narratives
- Developing measures that capture community assets and social context
- Aligning partnerships, funding, and planning across sectors.
Taking action this year and beyond
We can defeat divisive narratives and unjust policies. These tools can help you build power with your community and create a future where health is no longer a privilege for some but a right for all.
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About the Author
Najaf Ahmad, senior managing editor, highlights stories and perspectives on how the Foundation is advancing health equity in communities across the nation.