Lisa Cushatt shares her journey as part of the first cohort of fellows. Her project focuses on expanding pediatric and prenatal health care providers' ability to support families in preventing and addressing childhood trauma.
In October, 18 children’s health advocates and their mentors met—some for the first time—to share their story about how each of us had arrived to Mid-Iowa Health Foundation’s HealthConnect Fellowship. I was struck by several themes that emerged from the three-hour conversation.
We are all familiar with this famous quote from Margaret Mead: 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has" With all due respect to Ms. Mead, I think she is mistaken. Particularly her comment that it is the “only” thing. It has been my experience that meaningful, long-lasting systemic change requires engaging large numbers of people.
In a battle too important to lose, the journey of being an influential leader continues
Reflecting on four skills which were vital to helping move the children’s mental health policy in Iowa forward with substantial success during the 2019 legislative session
Unless power and privilege are being explored and addressed at the top levels systems, there will not be a significant change. Inclusion and diversity will be in appearance without substance, without systemic change.
While many of us strive to partner or “share power” with people with lived experiences, we often fall short. And as much as we all might think we want this partnership, it is difficult to implement successfully.
