RWJF

RWJF is committed to ensuring the systems that touch our lives work better for all of us, paving the way to a future where health is no longer a privilege for some, but a right for all. This requires: 🟣 centering those who have been marginalized by these systems and cut off from opportunity in the past. 🟣 supporting a more diverse array of leaders who are committed to working together within and across systems. 🟣 addressing the racist policies and practices that undergird entire systems of care and support. But we cannot do this work alone. One policy, one investment, one decision at a time, we can create something new together. Learn more in our latest blog post by Lauren Smith about the Foundation’s new way of working.

Every community in every ZIP code should be a place where people can live their healthiest lives. We believe equitable community development—the work of creating the physical and economic conditions in communities that enable residents to reach their best possible health and wellbeing—is key to reaching this vision. In 2014, RWJF convened the Commission to Build a Healthier America to explore opportunities at the intersection of community development and health. Learn how our work and that of our partners evolved in the past decade to help communities meet residents' needs and address the effects of racism embedded in policies and practices.

Our research system as we know it today has been largely shaped by White men. Join us on October 25 to hear from two visionary academics who are breaking through biases to conduct research that produces better, more inclusive health knowledge. Tune in as they talk shop and trade stories about how they are challenging the research status quo and readying the next generation of scientists—including women, Indigenous people, and others who have historically faced barriers in academic research—to transform health.

For many of us, we have asked the fundamental question, why is it so hard for the U.S. to make investments in its children and families. For the majority of families, they are left on their own, when we all know that the future of this country is deeply tied to the wellbeing of children and their families. Join me and my esteemed colleagues for a discussion on new research and old practices that elevate that the more we focus on our interdependence and collective care, the more we'll get to solutions that work more fairly for families. Join us on October 28, 2024 at 3pm ET. Andrew Volmert, senior vice president of research at the FrameWorks Institute David Alexander, president at Leading for Kids Erica Phillips, executive director at the The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) Child Care Julia Sosa, parent leader representative from United Parent Leaders Action Network (UPLAN) RWJF #RWJFSocial

At RWJF, we believe in the power of sports to unite people no matter their race, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, political ideology, gender identity, or sexual orientation. That’s why we’re investing in research to explore where, when, and how sports fans are engaging in conversation about social issues like racism and health.     Learn who is considered a trusted messenger in sports and how sports messengers want to engage on social issues. >> https://rwjf.ws/cFLZQa  

We know that the expansion of knowledge through research is crucial to transform health. But all too often science locks knowledge away behind fees and firewalls.     On October 24, hear from two changemakers working to make research more open and collaborative, with shared ownership of data and findings. Their efforts are paving the way toward a future of greater transparency, integrity, and trust in research that answers questions most important to us.

On October 23, join two visionary thinkers for a conversation about putting equity at the center of health research.    With one examining the health impact of structural racism and another working to democratize access to research, this is sure to be a lively conversation about the big, challenging questions we must ask ourselves to create a healthier, more equitable world. Listen in to learn how these topics go hand-in-hand and open up our imaginations to new possibilities for the future of research.

Join us on October 22 to hear from two trailblazing researchers dedicated to putting the public back in public health and ensuring the next generation of researchers reflect the communities they study.    Tune in as they talk to each other 1:1 about their groundbreaking work and how they put communities and health equity at the center. Hear about the solutions they see, and what it will take to make the future of research more equitable and inclusive. 

Too many people with disabilities face barriers to stable employment, which threatens their financial security and access to housing and healthcare. We believe everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed, and we are committed to tearing down these barriers. Digital accessibility is part of that commitment.     John Samuel, cofounder and CEO of Ablr 360, shares how his personal journey led him to shaping workplaces where people with disabilities have equal access to the digital tools and opportunities they need to thrive. His story shows how embracing accessibility can build a more inclusive world for all.

Join us on October 21 for a lively conversation between two leaders who are shaping the future of research. Listen in as they share bold ideas for how we can broaden research practices and beliefs to confront structural racism and advance health equity.    Get inspired as they get real about research and take on big questions like:   - What happens when researchers are guided by a community’s needs, instead of their own research agenda?   - What new insights and solutions can researchers unlock when they work side-by-side with young people, neighborhood residents, and others who bring first-hand knowledge and lived experience?