Become A Member

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Join the Alliance!

HEAL is a member-led alliance, connecting aligned organizations to do more together than any of us could do alone. Membership in HEAL is both a privilege & a responsibility. Our members collaborate to build power, advance shared campaigns, and transform our food and farm system through collective action.

HEAL has two tiers of membership:

  • CORE Members (voting members)
  • CONNECTING Members

Membership Update

HEAL’s new member process is currently paused and will reopen in 2027.

While we are not currently accepting nominations or applications, we welcome organizations interested in future membership to begin building relationships with current HEAL members and staff. These relationships help organizations learn more about HEAL, explore opportunities for collaboration, and determine whether membership is the right fit.

Steps to Becoming a HEAL Member

1. Receive a nomination

The membership process begins with a nomination submitted by either:

  • a current HEAL Member organization, or
  • a HEAL staff member.

Organizations cannot self-nominate.

 2. Nomination Review

HEAL’s Membership Committee (HEAL Staff & Members) reviews all nominations to determine whether nominated organizations meet the initial criteria for membership.
Organizations with approved nominations are invited to submit a membership application.

3. Submit a Membership Application

Invited organizations complete a membership application sharing more about their work, leadership, values, and interest in joining HEAL.

4. Membership Review

The Membership Committee and Steering Council review applications and may reach out with additional questions or invite the organization to a conversation.

5. Membership Vote

Applications approved by the Membership Committee and Steering Council are brought before HEAL’s full membership for a final vote.

6. Welcome to HEAL!

Organizations approved through the membership vote are officially welcomed into the alliance as either a CORE or CONNECTING Member.

**The Steering Council review process and membership vote may take up to several months. To see the full breakdown of our process, see this flowchart.

What We Look For in Members

HEAL is committed to building a strong, values-aligned alliance rooted in collaboration, trust, and movement-building. As part of the nomination and application process, we consider several factors, including:

  • Alignment with HEAL’s mission and values. Organizations should share a commitment to transforming our food and farm system through justice, equity, and collective action.
  • Existing relationships with HEAL. Organizations that have collaborated with HEAL, participated in HEAL spaces, or have established relationships with current members or staff are often better positioned to engage meaningfully in the alliance.
  • A clear connection to HEAL’s work. We look for organizations whose work complements HEAL’s priorities and where membership will create mutual opportunities for collaboration, learning, and movement-building.
  • Organizational capacity to participate. Because HEAL is a member-led alliance, active participation is an important part of membership. Organizations should have the staff capacity and organizational commitment to engage in meetings, campaigns, committees, and collaborative initiatives.
  • Current membership priorities. Due to the growing interest in joining HEAL and the continued growth of our alliance, we are currently prioritizing expanding representation from base-building organizations that organize workers, Indigenous-led organizations, and BIPOC producer organizations. While every nomination is reviewed individually, these priorities help ensure our membership continues to reflect the communities and movements at the heart of HEAL’s mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my organization apply directly?

No. Organizations must first be nominated by either a current HEAL Member or a HEAL staff member before they can be invited to apply.

When will nominations reopen?

HEAL’s membership process is currently paused. We anticipate reopening nominations in 2027.

How long does the membership process take?

The nomination, review, and voting process may take several months. We strive to keep nominated organizations informed throughout each stage of the process. To see the full breakdown of our process, see this flowchart. 

How can my organization prepare?

We encourage prospective members to:

  • Build relationships with current HEAL members and staff.
  • Participate in HEAL’s public events and opportunities when available.
  • Learn more about HEAL’s campaigns, values, and member expectations.
  • Consider whether your organization has the capacity to actively participate in a member-led alliance.

Questions?

If your organization is interested in HEAL membership, we’d love to hear from you. We encourage you to connect with a current HEAL member or reach out to HEAL’s Member Organizer Lead, Celize at celize@healfoodalliance.org.