Turning Community Priorities into Action

Change-makers convene to learn how to create real change

More than 60 public health practitioners, community advocates, and representatives from across South Texas gathered for a common purpose. Hosted by the Kate Marmion School of Public Health, the Turn Community Priorities into Action: Public Health Policy Workshop was designed to help everyday change-makers turn community data and lived experiences into concrete policy impact.

Attendees found their places, ready to navigate the full arc of advocacy—from initial Problem Identification and Power Mapping to framing clear, actionable policy requests. Working through hands-on exercises, participants identified their unique roles within movement work: some stood tall as Spokespersons, others mapped strategies as Researchers or Connectors, and many forged essential paths as Organizers and Communicators. The training was provided by Resilient Future Studio, a collaborator that focuses on climiate resilience, ecology, public health, and community development.Turin

Throughout the day, community members shared space and engaging dialogue with local leaders, including Councilwoman Teri Castillo, Councilman Ric Galvan, and former councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia. They explored practical strategies for engaging decision-makers, building sustainable community coalitions, and tracking policy implementation long after legislation passes to ensure real-world accountability.

By the end of the day, attendees walked away not only with practical worksheets and strategic toolkits in hand, but with renewed connections and an actionable roadmap to champion public health change across San Antonio.