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.

Who are the organizers?

The Health Autonomy Volunteer Organizing Committee (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.

How can I sign up to attend?

We require participants to sign up ahead of time as this allows us to make logistical preparations and keep the event slightly more secure. In the past, we have had more folks interested in attending than our venue could hold or we could prepare for. Registration will open on April 1 and will be announced via our website, e-mail list, and social media.

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 2026 is taking place in an urban, public transit accessible, climate-controlled, indoor location that complies with ADA regulations and has elevators. There will be a quiet room for relaxing and recuperating as well as gender-neutral bathrooms. We would very much like to offer ASL interpretation and are currently in the process of connecting with ASL interpreters. If you have specific accessibility questions or are interested in volunteering as an ASL interpreter, please email us at hac.registration@protonmail.com.

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.

Food

We are hoping to provide light snacks, coffee, tea, and lunches throughout the event with options to suit 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! W 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!