Community "plunges" result in innovative, collaborative projects that lead to change.

Understanding Through Action
Most communities learn about local health issues from the boardroom. The Community Health Action Team (CHAT) believes that nothing creates greater understanding and motivation for action than hearing directly from community members in need. That’s why we organize "plunges," which take us into the heart of a community to learn about issues right where people live, learn, work, and play.

Since 2001, CHAT has done plunges on a variety of issues that impact community health, including affordable housing, alcohol, childhood obesity, diversity, mental health, poverty, rural health, seniors, and smoking.

Learn more about our past plunges 

What Are Plunges Like?
Plunges are day-long events. Community leaders will meet with people in the community connected to the issue we’re exploring. This may involve visiting a church, school, homeless shelter, or other locations. For instance, if we’re studying poverty, that may involve a trip to the local food pantry to observe and talk with the people who rely on its services.

What Happens After a Plunge?
At the end of the plunge day, the group debriefs and starts talking about solutions. In the months that follow, we reconvene to talk about solutions and ideas in more depth. Most plunges result in the community selecting one or more collaborative, community-owned projects. What begins as an education turns into a tangible effort at building a healthier, stronger community.