Minnesota Rural CHW Conference 2026

Date: Thursday October 8th and Friday October 9th, 2026

Location: Campus of Minnesota West Community and Technical Collage | Worthington, Minnesota

Theme: Hands On, Hearts In: Practicing the Skills That Power Rural CHW Work

Learning Objectives:

1. Practice hands‑on skills that power rural CHW work. Attendees will engage in hands‑on, interactive learning to practice core Community Health Worker skills—such as motivational interviewing, suicide risk assessment, deep listening, and trauma‑responsive communication—rooted in the realities, relationships, and resource contexts of rural communities.  

2. Showcase CHW‑informed best practices that strengthen program implementation. Attendees will advance understanding and discussion of CHW‑centered programs and practices that empower CHWs to co‑create initiatives, influence program design and implementation, and integrate lived experience and community knowledge through supportive organizational structures.  

3. Strengthen the big tent of CHW work through inclusion and belonging. Attendees will be able to recognize and affirm the full scope of the CHW workforce, ensuring this conference reflects, values, and is for everyone doing heart‑centered community health work including certificate‑holding and non‑certificate‑holding CHWs, Community Health Representatives (CHRs), Promotoras, and related community‑based roles. 

Registration:

Early Bird Registration: July 1^st– August 31^st 

Regular Registration: September 1^st– October 2^nd  

Registration Rates:  

• Early Bird CHW: $60 
• Early Bird Non-CHW: $75 
• CHW Regular Registration: $70 
• Non-CHW Regular Registration $100 

Application for Waived Registration Fee for CHWs:

If you are a CHW and the registration fee for the conference is a barrier to attend, please complete this short application to have your registration fee waived:  

CHW Conference Waived Registration Fee Application

CHW Conference Waived Registration Fee Application

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First Name

Last Name

Email

Address

City

State

Zip Code

Check all that apply to you:

I currently work as a CHW in Minnesota, my title includes “Community Health Worker”

I currently work as a CHW in Minnesota, my title does not include “Community Health Worker”

I am a Community Health Representative (CHR)

I am a Promatora

I currently work as a CHW outside of Minnesota

I have a Minnesota CHW Certificate

I am currently enrolled in CHW Certificate classes

I have an NPI number as a CHW

I have an UMPI number as a CHW

I am not currently employed as a CHW, but I am looking for a CHW job

I supervise other CHWs

I manage a CHW program

I work in a related field (e.g. public health or healthcare) but not in a CHW role

What are you barriers to attending the conference? (check all that apply)

I am not employed

My employer does not have professional development funds

My employer will not use funds to pay for my registration and/or transportation and/or hotel

Cost of transportation

Cost of hotel

Cost of registration

I would have to take PTO or vacation time to attend and/or my employer will not allow me to attend on paid time

I do not have any barriers at this time

Why do you want to attend the conference? (check all that apply)

Learn new skills, tools, and best practices in my field.

Gain inspiration and motivation for my work.

Hear from influential speakers and thought leaders.

Connect with CHWs and others who have similar professional interests.

Represent my organization and promote our work to a wider audience.

Gain a new perspective from people of different backgrounds and experiences.

Increase my professional visibility and build my reputation in the field.

Explore new job opportunities and meet with potential employers.

Find solutions to specific challenges in a role.

Discover new ideas and creative approaches for projects.

Re-energize passion for work by being part of a larger community.

Get a fresh perspective by stepping away from a daily routine.

Experience a new city or location.

Participate in hands-on workshops.

Participate in social events and network in a more relaxed setting.

It is a mandatory part of a job.

Who is your employer?

Please submit your supervisor’s name and contact information

Submit Form

We score these applications on a rolling basis and will send you an email and coupon code if you are awarded.  

Draft Schedule:

Thursday October 8th 2026		Friday October 9th 2026
Check-in, exhibiters	10am-11am	Zumba with Luz!	7:30-8:15am
Plenary	11am	Breakfast, exhibiters	8:30-9am
Lunch with activity	noon	Breakout sessions (2)	9-11am
Breakout sessions (2)	1-3pm	Exhibiters	11-11:45am
Exhibiters	3-3:30pm	Lunch line	11:45-12pm
Plenary	3:30-4:30	Plenary during lunch	12-1pm
Off Site Social Gathering	5:30-7:30	Close	1pm

Lodging:

There are a few lodging options for the Rural CHW Conference. There is a secured a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express in Worthington, MN. Those details as well as details for other options are listed below.

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Presentation Proposals:

THE 2026 Minnesota Statewide CHW Conference Presenter Application IS NOW CLOSED

Sponsorship and Conference Exhibition

MNCHWA relies on conference sponsorships and exhibitors to ensure that the cost of the conference does not prevent any CHW or CHW ally from attending. We greatly appreciate any organization who is excited to sponsor this conference!

Conference sponsorship and exhibitor information can be found here.

Thank you to our sponsors!