Building on the success of our nonprofit advocacy fellowship, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation has established a new initiative to empower small business owners to address community issues by providing funding, capacity building, and networking opportunities focused on the social drivers of health (SDOH). Mid-Iowa Health Foundation has partnered with the Iowa Public Health Association as program facilitators for the inaugural cohort of fellows.
The social drivers of health are the social, economic, and environmental policies, systems, and structures that impact a person's health and well-being. Advocacy around the social drivers of health acknowledges that these conditions are not predetermined and can be modified to support positive health outcomes.
The inaugural cohort of Mid-Iowa Health Foundation Small Business Fellows include:
"Im honored to participate in the Small Business Fellowship. As business owners, we benefit from our neighborhoods, cities, and public services, and with that comes a civic responsibility to engage. I hope to use this fellowship to learn how to turn lived experience into constructive feedback that helps shape people-centered public health policy."
"I chose this fellowship as a way to reframe what civic involvement is how / can be more involved. I also wanted to elarn from other business owners how they incorporate advocacy in their work to promote action and impact in our community."
"We chose to particpate because we belive businesses can be powerful catalysts for positive change in their communities. Through this fellowship, we hope to connect with like-minded business owners and learn how Shine can deepen and expand its positive impacts."
"Our shop's mission is rooted in community and what could happen if we slowed down and got to know each other. My hope is that this fellowship can further support our efforts in serving and enhancing the qualify of life of our neighbors."
