Connect

During this past fall's regional gatherings, we heard people get excited about making connections with each other: "I didn't know that you folks did that!" and "We could collaborate on this!"

People living and working in the same communities found new ways to work together and support community and equity work.

Hybrid gatherings gave network members a place to stay beyond the official gathering time, and continue to talk with each other and connect.

In breakout sessions, network members shared contact information and discussed new partnerships: For example, a Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) coordinator and staff from The Arc Minnesota met for the first time during a breakout session, and plan to work together.

Regional coordinators received a number of follow-up calls from participants, asking for contact information or more information on other participants and community groups.

If you're looking forward to connecting with other people and organizations doing health equity work in your area, save the date for an upcoming regional gathering!

Strengthen

At regional gatherings this past fall, participants shared their hopes and dreams for equity work in their areas, discussing community needs and goals. Participants reflected on how important these discussions are, and how "wonderful" it is to pull different regional organizations together in one spot.

In one region, network members started identifying and describing projects they could amplify and strengthen by collaborating with each other. In another, group members said it was valuable to include community members in discussions focused on health equity, community needs, and community priorities.

Network coordinators noted these conversations continued well after the gatherings ended, and participants want to learn more about topics that are important to their specific regions.

Did this fall's gatherings spark your imagination, or would you like to share how the connections you made impacted you and your work? Contact your region's health equity network coordinator and let us know!

Amplify

Minnesota's Health Equity Networks gained momentum with support from the groups participating in gatherings, trainings, and more: Community health boards, local and Tribal health departments, schools, nutrition programs, libraries, medical service providers, and many others. 

Community organizers were key players in this fall's gatherings, helping participants communicate information and amplify program outreach and promotion.

The Health Equity Networks continue to grow: Participants introduce community members to each other and to the regional coordinators, members forward each other resources and information they know will be helpful, and people invite each other to join regional and state gatherings and trainings. 

Instead of starting from scratch, let's amplify together the great health equity work that's already happening. Contact your region's health equity network coordinator to learn more.