Category : Community

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.

Research suggests that to change the social architecture of an environment (e.g., the “I” versus “Us” mentality) is to act as a “compassion architect” or a person that can activate and spread compassion.

In response to a HealthConnect Fellow's question about how to foster collaboration in times of scarcity and competition, a respected thought leader shared that his perspective has been to view disagreement and different approaches to work as “positive stressors.” He shared that the perspective of “positive stressors” provides an opportunity to review the direction of coalitions and/or their goals to determine if work is moving in the right direction.

Today, I had the honor of launching a new initiative for Mid-Iowa Health Foundation. In a room filled with community partners and thought leaders I announced the launch of the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation HealthConnect Fellowship and the seven inaugural Fellows who were selected by MIHF's Board of Directors to participate in this unique initiative, which brings together key leaders in the community to advance the upstream system level changes necessary to more adequately address social determinants of children’s health.