Power of Place: Inclusion, Equity and Community Transformation

The foremost challenge of the 21^st Century for California, is how we will offer the opportunity for health and prosperity for all of our residents. Today, too many Californians encounter unnecessary obstacles to good health and the American Dream. Residents in California’s low income communities have known for a long time that health doesn’t only happen in a doctor’s office or emergency room. Health happens in safe and thriving communities where access to parks, open space, grocery stores, clean air and water are not luxuries. Health happens when residents can meaningfully participate in civic decision-making and the ideas and aspirations of young people are heard and supported. Health happens when no groups are offered second-class citizenship or have to live their lives in the shadows.  The presenter will discuss a bold, 10 year, place-based initiative to foster and encourage thriving communities where all children and families can live healthy, safe and productive lives.  The foundation's place-based initiative focuses on 14 communities in California where residents, youth, community leaders and policymakers come together to make health happen in their communities. In this session, participants will come away with a better understanding and appreciation of the role of community power and narrative in shaping and changing the equation for opportunity for all. Community transformation can occur when communities build power among residents and youth, enhance their abilities to work effectively together, leverage their resources and partnerships, and change the stories about community conditions, health and prevention.