Implementing a CLAS Self-Assessment and Workplan to Increase Equity in Client Services

This advanced training is designed to support those responsible for implementing a CLAS Self Assessment and Workplan for their organization or department. CLAS (Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services) Standards require effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful quality care and services that are responsive to the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The training will incorporate a learning cohort model, enabling participants to share strategies and develop actionable plans to advance equity within their organizations and communities. This approach fosters cross-sector dialogue, peer learning, and regional network-building— supporting sustained equity work beyond the training itself. Individualized support from HIC facilitators will help participants implement a meaningful CLAS assessment and workplan to advance health equity in client services and through workforce development. 

Topics include:

• Utilizing organizational, CHEI, BSAS and other MA Dept. of Public Health data to identify community needs, determine priorities, drive decision-making, increase buy-in for equity-focused initiatives and bolster funding proposals
• Analyzing and contextualizing data through an equity lens to identify disparities, consider root causes, determine communities of focus
• Tracking organizational data to identify CLAS strengths, gaps, and impact of CLAS-related initiatives
• Assessing workforce development through the CLAS lens
• Ethical use of data and pitfalls to avoid
• Collaborating with culturally and linguistically diverse community partners
• Creating a process for decision-making centered in community engagement and accountability
• Using the Principles of Promoting Racial Equity’s resiliency framework to translate data into action
• Identifying SMARTIE goals and objectives (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timebound, Inclusive and Equitable)

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify relevant DPH data to incorporate into the CLAS Self Assessment
• Analyze and contextualize data with an equity lens
• Utilize a CLAS Standards Assessment Tool to identify CLAS-related data related to workforce development, communication and language assistance and strengths and gaps within their department or agency
• Identify 3 methods for collecting data to identify the needs and priorities of culturally and linguistically diverse populations in the service area
• Develop a CLAS Workplan with a minimum of 3 goals and 6 objectives
• Identify strategic partners within marginalized populations for collaboration

Participants will receive a comprehensive set of handouts including:

• Data resources
• Highlighted MA data related to SUDS and the social determinants of health
• Ethical use of data guidelines
•  Template for turning data into action
• Strategies for using data to advance health equity
• Principles of Promoting Racial Equity
• HIC’s directory of Massachusetts organizations led by or serving culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• CLAS Self Assessment Template
• CLAS Workplan Template
• CLAS Workplan Tracker

* In preparation for this training, participants are encouraged to also register for either History of Racism in the War on Drugs and Psychology or Implementing CLAS Standards to Advance Equity in Client Services; or, watch the introductory video: Making CLAS Happen: A Guide to Implementing Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) - TRAIN MA - an affiliate of the TRAIN Learning Network powered by the Public Health Foundation.