Because democracy and health are inextricably linked, our democracy works best when all people can meaningfully engage in the political processes that shape their day-to-day lives and well-being. For this to happen, we need systems and supports that are transparent, accessible, responsive, and respect the rule of law. Equitable laws and policies are the foundation for these systems and supports that help people live their healthiest lives. As someone who has spent my career advocating for equitable laws and policies, these beliefs — and the action steps that are required to turn principles into policy — are at the center of my Democracy and Governance blog series.
When I set out, nine months ago, to write a blog series delving into the connections between governance, community leadership, democracy, and health equity, I did not anticipate the extent of the threats to democracy that would emerge. My primary aims were to connect our audiences with the excellent policymaking resources and strategies created by ChangeLab Solutions and our partners, and most importantly, to remind our audiences that the stakes involved in the rollback of rights are not just political but human — with many of our society’s most vulnerable members experiencing the consequences.
In these four blogs covering equitable policymaking, political engagement, governance, and building connection between community and policymakers, I reflect on what it takes to build systems that serve all communities and their residents — especially those who have historically been excluded from decision-making. This series is both practical and actionable: it is grounded in shared values and in examples from communities that are showing what is possible when we align around equity, health, and shared power.
Thank you for being part of this work. Please read and share the full Democracy and Governance series below, and consider supporting ChangeLab Solutions in the form of donations, sponsorship of our APC series, and grant funding. Your financial support will help us create spaces where changemakers can access tools and expertise to help them design and implement equitable policies.
— Sarah de Guia, CEO, ChangeLab Solutions
1. How Equitable Policymaking Supports Strong Democracy
The first entry in the Democracy & Governance series discusses how equitable laws and policies are foundational to a properly functioning democracy — and how we can harness these tools to reverse structural discrimination. In short, the blog explains the connections between democracy, governance, and health equity.
2. Vote, Advocate, Engage
The second entry in the series focuses on the importance of community involvement in state and local elections. The blog also highlights the importance of meaningful community participation throughout the policymaking process, to ensure that policies reflect the needs and values of the people they affect.
3. The Role of Governance in Creating a Healthy Democracy
The third entry in the series discusses how collaborative governance practices, inclusive decision-making, and responsiveness to community needs are essential in advancing health equity and democracy.
4. Where Policy Meets Community: Advancing Health Equity Locally
In the fourth entry in the series, we explore how community leaders and public officials can partner to develop local policy solutions that reflect lived experiences and advance opportunity. This blog explains the steps for connecting with deciscionmakers, which are grounded in real world policymaking examples. Practical solutions are most impactful when created through community leadership and authentic collaboration.
6/24/2025