Promotoras
Peer to Peer Education
Encarta defines Promotora as “an outreach worker in a Hispanic community who is responsible for raising awareness of health and educational issues.” Promotoras have been promoting positive change in the system of care and overall well-being of historically underserved populations (mainly Latinos).
As independent consultants for local Family Resource Centers, Promotoras are on the front line of providing education, information, and resources to those who most need it. The strength and effectiveness of their outreach comes from the fact that they themselves often come from the same communities they serve (culturally and economically). Frequently the families who require assistance do not know how to go about finding information and the necessary resources to get their basic needs met; promotoras guide, inform, listen and act. What sets them apart from traditional service providers is that they are highly trusted and well known in their communities. Many families avoid visits to agencies due to language barriers, cultural misinterpretations, lack of education, or fear of reprisals. A promotora understands the group she works with and finds ways to reach out, on their terms.
With the help of grant money and other agencies looking to support the dissemination of information, promotoras receive training and education through various workshops and informational sessions on varied topics. This is then passed on to community members through informal and formal meetings, chats, visitations, and gatherings.
Many of the programs currently in place at the Family Resource Center of Truckee which are strengthened by Promotoras include:
- Dental Education
- Child Development
- Breastfeeding Education
- Community Involvement on Local Issues
