Resident Advisor Program

Overview 
 
The Resident Advisor program is a community resident engagement initiative under Live Well Springfield and the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. This program helps integrate resident participation and engagement in coalition initiatives. 

Residents from Springfield and surrounding communities work on initiatives through our: 

• Climate Change, Health, and Equity, 
• Healthy Air Network, 
• Transforming Communities, 
• Youth Mental Health 
• Intergenerational Social Connections 
  
  

Each initiative is working to include and amplify community voices and experiences in their efforts at policy and system change. We believe people who are directly impacted know firsthand what the possible solutions are to the problems their communities face, so we bring them to the table to actively participate in problem-solving. 

The Resident Advisor program launched the “Guess What I Did Campaign,” which highlighted the advocacy activities they were involved in to improve their communities. Resident Advisors represent a diverse group of community residents, who provide their unique perspectives, feedback, and insight to the various committees. Resident advisors are compensated for their participation in the program with a monthly stipend. 

Program Elements 

• Training and Capacity Building – Resident Advisors are provided quarterly capacity building training that expands their knowledge and increases their capacity to understand public health, community organizing, strategic planning, and more to advocate for themselves and their communities.     
  
  
• Leadership Development – Resident Advisors gain leadership and communication skills to engage their fellow community members, elected officials, municipal and state leaders that could help advance their cause.   
  
• Advocacy Skills Building – Resident Advisors work with committee and coalition partners, community-based organizations, and city departments to push policy, systems and environmental change to advance their cause.   

Anyone can apply to be a Resident Advisor no matter their age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, income, geographic location, race, ethnicity, health, disability, and more. 

To apply to become a resident advisor please fill out our Google Form. 

For more information contact Jacqueline Velez at: jvelez@publichealthwm.org.