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Present at the Conference

P.S.

Call for Presenters: Share Your Skills at the 2026 Rural CHW Conference 

Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in advancing health equity across Minnesota, especially in rural communities where access, visibility, and resources are often limited. The Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance (MNCHWA) invites you to bring your knowledge, experience, and voice to the stage. 

We are now accepting proposals for the 2026 Minnesota Statewide Rural CHW Conference, taking place October 8–9, 2026, in Worthington, Minnesota.

Submit Your Proposal
Hands On, Hearts In heart hands

Conference Theme: Hands On, Hearts In 

This year’s theme, “Hands On, Hearts In: Practicing the Skills That Power Rural CHW Work” centers on the real-world skills, relationships, and lived experiences that define CHW practice in rural communities. 

We are looking for presenters who can engage participants in meaningful, interactive ways and share practical tools that can be used immediately in the field.

Why Present? 

Presenting at the Rural CHW Conference is an opportunity to: 

  • Share practical, hands-on skills with a statewide audience 
  • Elevate CHW leadership, voice, and lived expertise 
  • Strengthen connections across rural communities and sectors 
  • Contribute to building a more inclusive, community-centered workforce 
  • Help shape systems change that supports CHWs and the communities they serve 

What We’re Looking For 

We are especially interested in proposals that align with this year’s learning objectives: 

  1. Practice Core CHW Skills:
    Sessions that include interactive, hands-on learning experiences—such as:
    1. Motivational interviewing
    2. Suicide risk assessment
    3. Deep listening
    4. Trauma-responsive communication
    5. Other relationship-centered practices rooted in rural contexts
  2. Showcase CHW-Informed Best Practices
    Presentations that highlight:
    1. CHW-centered program design and implementation
    2. Strategies that elevate CHW leadership and lived experience
    3. Organizational models that support CHWs in meaningful ways
    4. Strengthen Inclusion Across the CHW Workforce
  3. Content that reflects and celebrates the full “big tent” of CHW roles, including:
    1. CHWs (certified and non-certified)
    2. Community Health Representatives (CHRs)
    3. Promotoras and other community-based roles

Who Should Apply? 

We welcome proposals from: 

  • Community Health Workers and CHW students 
  • CHW supervisors and program leaders 
  • Community-based organizations 
  • Public health and healthcare professionals 
  • Tribal and rural health leaders 
  • Policy, payer, academic, and training partners 

CHW leadership is strongly encouraged. Proposals led or co-presented by CHWs—or that clearly center CHW voice—will be prioritized.

Presentation Formats 

The conference will be fully in-person and include: 

  • Plenary sessions (approx. 1 hour) 
  • Breakout sessions (approx. 45 minutes) 
  • Poster presentations  

Selected presenters will receive benefits based on presentation type, including complimentary conference registrations and recognition in the conference program.  

 Key Dates 

  • Call for Proposals Opens: May 1, 2026 
  • Submission Deadline: June 30, 2026 
  • Acceptance Notifications: August 7, 2026 
  • Presenter Confirmation Deadline: August 14, 2026 
  • Conference Dates: October 8–9, 2026  

Selection Criteria 

Proposals will be reviewed by a subcommittee of the Rural CHW Conference Planning Committee. Priority will be given to proposals that: 

  1. Center CHW leadership and voice 
  2. Align with the conference theme and learning objectives 
  3. Reflect deep expertise, including lived experience 
  4. Address the realities of rural CHW work 
  5. Add diversity and balance to the overall conference program   

Help Shape the Future of Rural CHW Work 

This conference is designed to strengthen, connect, and elevate CHWs working in rural communities. Your experience—your skills, your challenges, your successes—can inspire others and move the field forward. 

We encourage you to submit a proposal and be part of this important gathering.

Apply Now