The Colorado Health Foundation’s Post

"In a mist of light falling with the rain, I walk this ground of which dead men and women I have loved are part, as they are part of me. In earth, in blood, in mind, the dead and living into each other pass, as the living pass in and out of loves as stepping to a song. The way I go is marriage to this place, grace beyond chance, love's braided dance, covering the world." - From “In Rain” by Wendell Berry Forgive us: we couldn’t help but open this newsletter up with another Wendell Berry poem. That’s because one of our listens for this week, an interview with Duke Theologian Norman Wirzba on the For the Life of the World podcast, is inspired by this very poem. Taking a page out of Berry’s book, Wirzba movingly describes how the agrarian principles of interdependence, stewardship, rootedness, and thinking in “generational time” can reconnect us to hope in an age of crisis. It’s a beautiful listen, and we highly encourage you to check it out. Beyond Wendell and Norm, we also have several other highlights in this week’s newsletter — ranging from the social sciences, to cultural criticism, to public policy — including: • How new data from the American Time Use Survey shows America is becoming “a nation of homebodies” • Why cultural individualism fails to create independently-minded individuals • How policy can help strengthen civic infrastructure and associational life in American communities Thanks, as always, for reading — and for being a part of what we’re building. We don’t take it for granted. https://lnkd.in/eTrWUgGb

The 2023 landscape of collective giving research report is almost here! Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 2 at noon ET / 9AM PT to learn more about the new report In Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the U.S.’

BHSB’s 2023 Impact Report is here. Dive in to see how our staff, provider network and partners helped build community connections across Baltimore City and Maryland in 2023. https://lnkd.in/epYi2YnR

It's finally Conference Girl Summer! Kicking off summer conference season with The National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) in the best city :) If you're attending, please join me on Thursday morning for "Putting the Knowledge in Technology," a session exploring how members are using data and technology to improve service and access to assistance for limited income households, and what more we could do if we worked together. You can weigh in on whether NEUAC should stand up a data and technology working group! On Friday, dreams come true, I'll be moderating a panel called, "Improv and Advocacy." YES, AND, it's sold out. This conference is so much fun and each year I learn so much. If it wasn't on your calendar this year, add it for 2025. https://lnkd.in/gzPzhzp2

In June 2021, to mark California's reopening, we hosted "REBIRTH," a dynamic industry event that spanned all 50,000 square feet of Ciel Creative Space. Our mission was clear: reunite the community after over a year of isolation. A major focus of REBIRTH was supporting local businesses that had suffered tremendous losses during the shelter-in-place orders. Partnering with a local, woman-of-color-owned event agency, Make it Mariko, we brought together dozens of local businesses, artists, caterers, musicians, and more to breathe life back into the space. Ready to host your next event in our space? Book here: https://lnkd.in/gkRhK4Pc

In another round of our Angelenos For Change series, we're spotlighting LaDawn Best, the Chief of Community Partnerships at Peer Health Exchange! In regards to how one can initiate change, LaDawn shares, "identify what in your community you'd like to organize around and get started." Check out what else LaDawn has to say in the following video! https://lnkd.in/gGf9V4cN

There are more than a few reasons why life here in Los Angeles is grand but one of them is the inspiration I get from the small but mighty non-profits that continue to make our city better. One is Public Matters, founded by Mike Blockstein and Reanne Estrada. If you want a break from the news cycle, have a look at this article titled "Conspiratorial Joy Lives Here."

Map of Healing is back! Check out the post below to find out how your business can get involved in supporting survivors through art.

If you've been following along on the creative engagement pilot strategies we've shared occurring in rural Oregon, you'll notice they have something in common. They all take a regional collective impact approach. Collective impact indicates a network of community members or organizations who learn together, align goals, and integrate actions to achieve collective change. Benefits include stronger and deeper impact, avoiding duplication of efforts, and leveraging the strengths and assets of each participating organization. Participants of collective impact models gain more ‘muscle’ to leverage government grants and advocate for change.

Check out this article featuring newly built, El Concilio, and learn about the positive impact they are having on our community! https://ow.ly/Pifp50TKUZI