Thrive Asheville’s Post

This may be a simple reminder for some, but this is significant progress for us. Without external intervention, this is community policy implementation at work. Our work is not in vain. #InclusiveAccess #InternetPolicy

The US federal government has started integrating “community engagement” requirements in its own funding calls. It is a smart move which others could learn from, but only if action is taken on the findings. The “Build Back Better” programme, passed as part of the American Rescue Plan, is a prime example. In deciding its funding allocations, Build Back Better evaluates how “residents and community leadership will be engaged throughout,” meaning that states need to have in place structured processes for mapping and engaging residents and collecting impact data that enables evaluation. For example, research found that food insecurity was a top stressor for Brownsville residents, so the team tapped into networks to bring in food service providers, researchers and urban farmers all from within the community to think about how to address the issue. #inclusionmatters #socialimpact #embeddingsocialgood

How do we build regional economies rooted in community ownership? Check out this webinar to learn what community leaders from New Orleans, Los Angeles, Oakland (CA), Buffalo, and Washington DC have to say: https://bit.ly/3wuR6U9

After a momentous week, starting the process for building my son's self-owned (dis)ability-enabling house and 2 days of tending to a sick cow, I am settled in for the day participating in the Community Independents Project virtual conference. Hearing from current and future Teals and many other forward thinkers. Right now hearing about the enormous levels of grass roots support across the nation. #Change is in the air. #PeoplePoweredPolitics.

Older Americans Month 2024 Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities. The 2024 theme is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. We will explore the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues. Join us in promoting the benefits of connecting with others. Here are some ways you can participate. Share facts about the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection and how it contributes to overall well-being. Promote resources that help older adults engage, like community events, social clubs, and volunteer opportunities. Connect older adults with local services, such as transportation, that can help them overcome obstacles to achieving or maintaining meaningful relationships. Encourage partners to host a connection-centric event or program focused on older adult mentors to youth, peer-to-peer support, or similar efforts. Challenge professional and personal networks to prioritize meaningful social connections and share the benefits. Inspire older adults to share what connection means to them on social media using the hashtag #PoweredByConnection. Charles Benson

The National Innovative Communities Conference could be held anywhere. Aren't all communities looking for ways to better serve their populations? Maybe. But holding it in the Inland Empire sends a message: The IE is larger than 26 of the states in the US, and yet is one of the places that receives the least amount of investment. Because of this, the work and accomplishments happening here have been the result of collaboration, sharing of ideals and determination, and relationships built to cross political divides and really focus on the well-being of our community. The message? If we can do it here, you can do it anywhere. #NationalInnovativeCommunitiesConference #CommunityBetterment

How can community assemblies transform decision-making? We shared a #BlogPost last week exploring how this innovative public engagement process allows community members to be involved in decisions and policies that affect them, resulting in better informed residents who come together to co-create solutions. The article expands on the following reasons community assemblies could be a part of organizational, governmental and municipal decision-making: 1. Recommendations put forward by assemblies reflect a fuller diversity of experiences 2. Community assemblies are deliberative and informative 3. Community assemblies bring people together and strengthen existing bonds 4. Community assemblies rebuild trust and make room for accountability from all parties Read the full post: https://lnkd.in/gT4ju8DA

May is #OlderAmericansMonth! The 2024 theme, #PoweredByConnection, recognizes the profound impact of meaningful relationships and social connections on our health and well-being. Learn more at acl.gov/oam. Administration for Community Living

I second that Stephanie Gidigbi Jenkins … One key take away: this money is flowing with or without you! Watch the video to find out why now is the time and how to get involved and create a relationship with your federal agency offices, your state government, and your community financial institutions. #bidenbillions #climateaction #communitiesfirst

The National Innovative Communities Conference could be held anywhere. Aren't all communities looking for ways to better serve their populations? Maybe. But holding it in the Inland Empire sends a message: The IE is larger than 26 of the states in the US, and yet is one of the places that receives the least amount of investment. Because of this, the work and accomplishments happening here have been the result of collaboration, sharing of ideals and determination, and relationships built to cross political divides and really focus on the well-being of our community. The message? If we can do it here, you can do it anywhere. #NationalInnovativeCommunitiesConference #CommunityBetterment