Building Healthy Communities

What is the Building Healthy Communities program?

Building Healthy Communities offers social and educational support to anyone interested in learning about or practicing a healthy plant-based lifestyle. Leading a community is free and open to all. Healthy Communities are independent groups led by individuals interested in engaging with their community over healthy food and who enjoy building relationships and having fun!

What is a local Healthy Community and what is its purpose?

A Healthy Community is an independent member organization with the Physicians Committee. Community leaders are responsible for organizing regular activities and outreach events.

Local chapters are a part of a greater global grassroots movement dedicated to building a culture of healthy humans and nonhuman animals within a healthy planet and society. Leaders have the benefit of connecting with other leaders who share their tried-and-true methods for community engagement.

Is there a fee to lead a local chapter of Building Healthy Communities?

No, there is not a fee to start a community, however there may be expenses associated with leading a group such as the cost of the meeting space or providing food and supplies for events. Leaders usually share these costs with co-leaders and group members.

How do I start a Healthy Community?

The first step is to visit the Building Healthy Communities directory to search your area. If a Healthy Community is already established in your area, please reach out to the group, and consider joining them in their endeavors, as a member or possible co-leader. If, after reaching out to the local leader, you decide that there is room for another community in the area, you may buildinghealthycommunities [at] pcrm.org (apply to start one).

If you discover there's not yet a Healthy Community in your area, you are buildinghealthycommunities [at] pcrm.org (invited to apply). After we receive your application, a team member will schedule a brief interview to answer all your questions.

If I already lead a plant-based club, group, or nonprofit can we become a part of Building Healthy Communities?

Absolutely! Already established groups are welcome to join Building Healthy Communities as long as your events are strictly vegan and you place value on inclusivity. Examples of Healthy Communities include local meetups, vegan societies, faith-based groups, and nonprofit organizations. Many existing groups join our network to connect with other leaders, have access to our extensive educational resources, reach new members, and gain knowledge and support.

Are Building Healthy Communities leaders allowed to promote products, services, or personal businesses at events?

While it is not against the Physicians Committee’s policy for leaders to have a health-related business, we ask leaders to be transparent with their group members by disclosing business interests and clarifying that their business is separate from the Healthy Community. Minimize how often it is mentioned if you choose to mention it during an event. Extensive soliciting to group members is not allowed. If you’d like to promote products and services, create a separate email list (or Facebook group, etc.) for that purpose and let members know it is optional to sign up. Your business and your community should not have the same name.

How many hours a month does a typical leader dedicate to a Healthy Community?

On average, leaders dedicate at least five hours a month and are encouraged to organize regular meetings. Communities that meet once a month are most successful at keeping members engaged.

What skills are needed to lead a community?

Important assets are a strong passion to promote plant-based living, tenacity to grow the group over time via your outreach efforts, a willingness to be in regular communication with the Physicians Committee team, and an ability to work well with all types of people.

Can I apply with a friend or family member? What is the process for co-leaders?

Yes, most Healthy Communities have more than one leader. Indeed, we encourage Healthy Community Leaders to find support and delegate some of the responsibilities related to running a group to one or more co-leaders. Your co-leader may attend your interview and have access to all the perks that Healthy Community leaders have.