Civic Engagement as a Path to Health Equity

In this enlightening episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Heather Jones-Brown, a fervent advocate for civic engagement and health equity. Heather, who also works in staff equity at Grinnell College, dives deep into the critical role civic participation plays in shaping health outcomes within communities. From debunking voter registration myths to emphasizing the impact of local elections, Heather offers invaluable insights into how engaging in the democratic process can lead to more equitable health policies. Listen in as we explore the intersection of civic duty and health equity, and learn how you can make a difference in your community.

Show Notes:

Guest: Heather Jones-Brown (she/her) is the Assistant Chief Diversity Officer for Staff Equity at Grinnell College and the Program Director at Vision Leads. 

She is a Des Moines native and proud graduate of East High School. She got her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Political Science from William Jewell College and her Masters in Business Leadership from William Penn University. 

Heather has traveled to over 15 different countries and lived in Tokyo, Japan for over 4 years.  She is a community advocate who is active in our local NAACP branch and is an active member of the Iowa Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

• Introduction to Heather Jones-Brown - An overview of Heather's background, her work in equity and inclusion, and her passion for community and civic engagement.
• Civic Engagement and Health Equity - Discussion on how civic engagement intersects with health equity, emphasizing the importance of participation in local elections and community activities.
• Debunking Voter Registration Myths - Heather addresses common misconceptions about voter registration and highlights the ease of the registration process.
• Impact of Local Elections - Insight into how local governance affects daily life and health policies more directly than national politics.
• Vision Leads and Community Activism - Introduction to Vision Leads, an organization focused on voter engagement and empowering individuals to participate in their communities effectively.
• Challenges and Triumphs in Civic Engagement - Heather shares personal experiences and tips for overcoming obstacles in community organizing and civic participation.

• Connecting with Heather Jones-Brown:
  • Email: [email protected]
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/htothejizones/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/htothejizones/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2020VisionLeads
  • Vision Leads: https://visionleads.org
• Resources and Links Mentioned:
  • Vision Leads Voter Headquarters (All You Need To Know): https://www.visionleads.org/voterhq
  • Debunking Voter Registration Myths: https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/debunking-voter-registration-myths/
  • Updating Your Voter Registration: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/updatereg.html
  • Voter FAQ at Iowa Secretary of State: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/regfaq.html#9
  • We Are Iowa Story About Voter Roll Removal: