FAQs

What is HAC?

The Health Autonomy Convergence is a gathering for healthcare workers who are working in their communities to provide care that centers people and their communities over companies and profits. Attendees come from many backgrounds, but generally share a dedication to abolitionist and bodily autonomy principles.

During the three-day convergence, participants gather for workshops, lectures, and facilitated discussions. For more details, visit our HAC 2023 page for examples of content and a report back.

Do I need to register to come?

Yes! HAC is a registered event, and we are expecting 400 participants based on confirmed attendees as of the end of April. We expect people to complete the registration form ahead of time.

Registration is currently full, with a substantial waitlist. If you previously registered and can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as you can so we can give that spot to a waitlisted person. We may have some spots available for local folks who come day of, but these are limited and not guaranteed.

Why do I need to register?

Our vision for HAC is a weekend of connection and relationship building. Unlike a drop-in event, where people come and go, we’re hoping that the conversations started on Friday will build through participation in workshops, discussions, and new connections made over the weekend. Logistically, our venue has limited capacity, and we are planning to provide lunch and account for a variety of accessibility needs. This takes planning.

How Do I know I have been registered?

You will know your registration has been accepted when you receive an email from us confirming your registration. Registration is currently full.

Can I just come for a day?

We hope people will attend all three days of the event. If you are registered and plan to show up late, please let us know so we do not give your spot away to someone else.

Who are the organizers?

The Health Autonomy Volunteer Organizing Collective (HAVOC) came together as a group of friends feeling deeply dissatisfied and alienated from working in the medical industrial complex. We envisioned a convergence where we could bring together people beyond our immediate circles who might feel the same.

Our group is majority femme, queer, and white. Most of us are licensed healthcare workers and come from an anarchist organizing background. None of us are paid for organizing these events and HAC does not have NGO status.

Who should attend HAC?

HAC is for anyone who is generally aligned with our principles and spends a significant amount of time providing care to others. We welcome nurses and nursing assistants, EMTs, MAs, social workers, pharmacists, rehab workers, and doctors, but also doulas, harm reductionists, in-home care givers, promotoras, and outreach workers. This is not an exhaustive list! Unsure if HAC is for you? Send us an email at health.autonomy.convergence@protonmail.com.

Where is the money coming from?

HAC is a completely volunteer run and organized event, and we do not receive funding from agents who might compromise our principles or appropriate our event for promotional purposes. To that end, we rely on independent fundraising through a GoFundMe and sliding-scale donations from attendees. No one is turned away for lack of funds, and if you have a cushy healthcare job, we encourage you to chip in for someone who does not!

Why haven't you responded to my e-mail yet?

We are working on it! HAC is organized by a small group of volunteers who also work in healthcare, organize in other capacities in their communities, and generally have busy lives. This year we have noticed we are especially running thin, as the world crumbles around us and calls us all in multiple directions. That is to say, we don't have the highest capacity for prompt e-mail dialogue and sometimes we may need you to re-send your e-mail in case it was lost in the stack. We are trying our best and are so grateful for your patience and grace as we make this event happen!

Accessibility

HAC and our venue will have available:

• Padded chairs with backs in every room

• Chairs sized for bigger bodies

• Low fragrance

• Climate-controlled building

• Scheduled breaks between sessions

• Designated low-stimulation/quiet room

• Gender-neutral restrooms

• Elevators

• No-step entry

• Wheelchair-accessible restrooms

• Private lactation/pumping room

• Service animals welcome

• Amplified sound for speakers

• Printed handouts when possible

• Venue map with terrain info sent in advance

• Schedule sent in advance

We are looking into live captioning and will provide an update.

For presenters:
Making Your Conference Talk Accessible by Richard E. Ladner
Tips for Delivering an Accessible Presentation by Sheryl Burgstahler

Covid Protocols

Masking at HAC is encouraged, and we will provide masks and tests at the door. We ask people to test prior to arrival each day, and to stay home if they are feeling unwell. Additionally, we hope to have some rooms equipped with HEPA air filters. If you have donations of masks, tests, or HEPA air filters, please get in touch!

Food

We are hoping to provide light snacks, coffee, tea, and lunches throughout the event with options tosuit multiple dietary restrictions. The venue is in a central location with other food options available to participants as well.

How can I get involved?

We need people to make HAC happen! We hope you submitted a workshop proposal (the deadline was March 15). We will also be looking for volunteers to help onsite during the convergence. Watch for a volunteer sign up email after you register. If you live locally and want to host a contemporaneous event after hours during the HAC weekend, e-mail us with your fresh ideas!