As we approach the change of seasons, we're looking forward to the flurry of new activities taking place. After a short hiatus, the Living Library Committee is back in full swing and has begun another round of reviews for the Model HIA Reports online repository. We're also very excited to announce that registration for the 2017 Practitioner Workshop is now open. This workshop brings together a diverse group of practitioners to examine issues relevant to HIA and develop tools and resources to advance the field. It's an event not to be missed!
And speaking of working together, we're very excited that our members have been so active in participating in HIA relevant conferences around the world. Be sure to read about all these great activities, as well as the third installment of the Equity Case Study below. Wishing you warmer days (or cooler for those in the Southern Hemisphere)!
Sincerely,
Katie Hirono, President
Ellen Schwaller, Director
FEATURED HIA STORY
Rehabilitating Corrections in California: The Health Impacts of Proposition 47
This HIA assessed a California state ballot initiative that would advance equitable criminal justice policies through reclassification of low-level crimes of drug possession and petty theft from felonies to misdemeanors and increase investment in services and programs. A comprehensive, 15-member steering committee, led by Human Impact Partners, included local advocacy groups and community-based organizations who were involved throughout the process of the HIA. Beyond the assessment, this HIA worked to advance equity by building community capacity and power, especially in the communities most impacted by the ballot initiative.
We are seeking recommendations for exemplary HIA reports for the 2016-2017 list of outstanding HIA reports. The SOPHIA MODEL HIA REPORTS Library functions as a periodically updated repository of exemplary HIA reports. The library is intended for:
People who are unfamiliar with HIA and want to understand what a high caliber HIA report might look like (for example, people thinking of commissioning an HIA).
HIA practitioners seeking exemplary HIA reports as a reference.
You may recommend HIAs you have conducted or reports done by other practitioners. The HIA can be on any project, policy or program; done in any location in the U.S. or internationally; and be either stand-alone or done as part of an integrated assessment. As we have already selected reports from 2009 – 2014, ideally these reports would have been released within the past 2 years.
You must be a member of SOPHIA to submit a recommended HIA report (but can join easily here).
SOPHIA 2016 Member Survey Were you a member in 2016? We want to hear from you! We are continually looking for ways to grow and improve the services we offer our members. To support that effort, we are pleased to announce the launch of a new annual member survey. Please help us strengthen SOPHIA by completing this short survey by March 17th.
Living Library Committee
The Living Library Committee of SOPHIA is recruiting reviewers for the 2016-17 Model HIA Report selection. The Living Library Committee reviews HIA report submissions according to set criteria and selects exemplary reports to be included in the online repository. Being a part of the review process is an excellent opportunity to participate in peer review of HIA reports and develop a critical lens for your own HIA practice. If you would like to participate as a volunteer, or join the Living Library Committee on an on-going basis, please contact Sandra Whitehead.
HIA Practitioner Workshop Registration is now open for the 2017 HIA Practitioner Workshop! Join us October 2nd and 3rd in Washington, D.C. at the offices of The Pew Charitable Trusts! The workshop presents a unique opportunity for current practitioners of Health Impact Assessment to participate in strategic field building. Don't miss the chance to expand your expertise while contributing to the field of HIA! Please contact Ellen Schwaller with any questions.
Upcoming Conference Opportunities
While we plan for the Practitioner Workshop, the Member Services Committee would like to call your attention to relevant upcoming conferences. Registration is closing soon for most of these! Follow all announcements for conferences, trainings, jobs, and grant opportunities on the SOPHIA website!
Explore available HIA career & grant opportunities.
Your involvement helps SOPHIA grow and helps us to continue to ensure that health and equity are considered in all decision making. Together we can work towards achieving better health for all. Learn about other opportunities to get more involved with SOPHIA and share with your colleagues.
