Civic Health Course

The Vot-ER Civic Health Course is designed for nurses, physicians, medical students, social workers, and other health professionals who want to make a bigger impact in their communities. If you've always wanted to knock down the walls between healthcare and civic engagement, this is the course for you!

Learn how to integrate voter access into your healthcare institution and leverage community organizing as a tool to address the political determinants of health.

Applications for the 2022 Civic Health Course are now closed.

Organizing 101

Nobel Peace Prize-nominated activist Srdja Popovic and health organizing leader Pedja Stojicic teach tried-and-true organizing tactics that can be used inside and outside of the healthcare system.

Narrative building workshops

Your story is an incredibly powerful mobilizing tool. Learn how to craft your "public narrative"—what makes you who you are and why you do this work—and how to share it with colleagues, organizational leadership, and the media.

All-star guest lecturers

Hear from some of the brightest minds in health equity, behavioral science, and media.

Civic engagement project

Collaborate with healthcare peers to launch a local civic access project at your health institution or school. Past participants have used this space to workshop pitches to hospital leadership, partner with faculty to integrate voter access into the medical school curricula, and more.

Testimonials

Here's what past participants, guest lecturers, and faculty have said about the course:

Course Details

Schedule

Classes meet online twice a month on weekday evenings from April to October 2022

The total time commitment is 5-10 hours per month, including attending lectures, small group work, and collaborating on team projects.

Cost

Course fees are based on a sliding scale. The discounted rate for healthcare professionals who’ve used Vot-ER tools or attended our programs is noted in parentheses.

Medical, nursing, or social work student: $100 ($50)
Social workers nurses, residents, and interns: $200 ($100)
Physician assistants: $500 ($250)
Attending physicians: $1000 ($500)

Financial Aid: Most of the program costs are covered by our generous sponsors - the course fees listed above cover the remaining portion. Last year we didn't turn anyone away because of the cost, and we expect that everyone who needs help will receive an appropriate discount. If you need financial assistance, please apply and select the "Financial Assistance" option on the application.

Faculty

Nobel Peace Prize-nominated activist Srdja Popovic and health organizing leader Pedja Stojicic teach the course, along with a group of all-star guest speakers.

FAQs

Where and when do classes take place?

Classes will take place twice a month on weekday evenings from April to October 2022. The full class schedule will be available soon. Fill out our interest form to receive updates.

Why should I take this course?

We've heard from past students (or "fellows," as we call them) that this course has connected them to the community of like-minded healthcare professionals that they've long sought.

Plus, you'll leave the course with:

Deeper knowledge of health disparities and medical racism—and how we can fight against it in our daily work
Insights into what obstacles affect voter engagement and how to address them
Practical community organizing skills to mobilize colleagues and leaders at your institution or school
Lots of laughs, inside jokes, and most importantly: a network of passionate, like-minded healthcare professionals who, like you, are committed to making a bigger impact in their community.

Am I eligible for this course?

All healthcare professionals are eligible, including:

Medical, nursing, or social work students
Interns and residents
Fellows
Social Workers
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Nurses
Public health or community health workers

Do I need to have organizing experience?

Nope! Just come ready to learn and collaborate.

How do I apply for financial aid?

You can indicate on your application that you need financial assistance. If you have additional questions about financial assistance, please email Leah Ford, Vot-ER Organizing Director, at leah@vot-er.org

Who teaches this course?

Nobel Peace Prize-nominated activist Srdja Popovic and health organizing leader Pedja Stojicic teach the course, along with a group of all-star guest speakers.

I have another question that isn't answered here.

E-mail Leah Ford at leah@vot-er.org or message us on Twitter and we'll get back to you right away!