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JOIN YOUR REGIONAL NETWORK AND WORK WITH OTHERS AS DEDICATED AS YOU!
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Reframing mental models about aging
Network member spotlight: Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging
As people age in our society, they can become marginalized. The Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging, or AAAA, encourages the development of age-friendly cities and counties where older adults are integral parts of their communities. AAAA’s message is that older adults should have opportunities to contribute and be active, engaged and connected. The Agency offers a breadth of services, working in many ways to keep aging adults involved in creating vibrant communities.
“Changes can be made in big or small ways. Central to our work is reframing the way we talk, think, feel, and act about aging.” - Georgia Lane, Aging Services Planner, Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging
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Arrowhead Changemakers identify local issues around aging and spark conversations on ending ageism. Photo courtesy of AAAA.
One of the many successful projects organized by AAAA is the Arrowhead Changemakers. Changemakers serve as ambassadors to promote meaningful, lasting changes that help their communities become better places to grow up and grow old. There were sixteen active Changemakers in 2023, and a second cohort launched this month.
"We seek local community members and leaders who have a passion for impacting decisions that enable people to age successfully in their communities and advocate for the needs and wants of older adults." – Recruitment information for Arrowhead Changemakers
Changemakers embrace positive attitudes about aging, which can enhance the quality of life and foster stronger and more inclusive communities for all ages.
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Reflections and activity highlights from the Minnesota Health Equity Networks regional coordinators.
As a Health Equity Network Coordinator, I’ve had a front-row seat in watching the health equity networks unfold across the state, and specifically, within the Southwest Region.
Through this work, I’ve met amazing people and have had the pleasure of helping folks from various agencies and organizations connect. These connections have led to partnerships, collaborative work, the generation of ideas, and the elimination of silos that separate and isolate organizations and their services. At one Southwest regional gathering, three local public health agencies discovered they were working on similar initiatives and exchanged information to connect. Building trusting, meaningful connections is sometimes undervalued, but when it happens, the resulting work flourishes.
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Connections are happening across regions, too! For example, Horizon Public Health in the Southwest region created shared language around health equity for their organization. A health collective from the Northeast region was looking to do the same thing. Our team helped staff from the two organizations meet and share info.
I am excited to continue to provide a space where we can come together, build relationships, and learn from one another. - Anna Rogotzke, Southwest Coordinator (pictured with her cat, Debra)
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Creating a place where we can all bloom
A message from Shor, Project Supervisor
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This season of growth always reminds me of the saying by Alexander Den Heijer, “When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” I often think about this quote when I'm doing systems change work or any type of health equity work. |
At our Statewide Gathering on March 20, we discussed and explored LGBTQIA+ communities and identities, and the inequities and disparities these communities face. Whenever I talk about what it takes for LGBTQIA+ communities and people to thrive, I think of that flower. For all people (not just LGBTQIA+ people) to "bloom" and thrive, it is necessary for the environment around them to:
- Support them to be who they are in an authentic way
- Enable others to fully see and celebrate them in their authenticity
- Make it possible for the systems around them to provide the informed, caring, and nuanced support they need.
I ask you to seriously consider, "What am I/are we doing to create an environment where LGBTQIA+ people can thrive in our organization, health equity work, and communities?"
I understand that this question may make some people feel uncomfortable. If you are experiencing discomfort, I encourage you to pause and get curious about what may be happening with you. As you do so, I also encourage you to revisit some of the core frameworks that the Minnesota Health Equity Networks hold close:
- Health equity is not just a buzzword. It is deeply honoring the humanity of all people.
- Continued learning and growth are a part of this ongoing (health equity) work.
- The public health system is responsible for alleviating barriers and injustices that lead to health inequities in all communities.
May we continue to work towards creating environments and communities where all people can bloom.
Much care,
Shor
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Training sessions and statewide meetings
THIS WEEK!
Mini Learning with Olmsted County: March 26, 10 to 11 a.m.
Olmsted County Public Health will host a mini-learning session on ways it has collaborated with and invested in community members most impacted by challenges in their community. Olmsted will share lessons learned from working with people with lived experiences and will give space to hear from attendees. Bring your questions and your own learnings so we can continue to grow together in this work.
Register: Minnesota Health Equity Networks Mini Learning Session with Olmsted County
Regional gatherings
Regional gatherings are free and open to all. Participate in one region, or more than one! All regional gatherings below are virtual unless otherwise indicated. Scroll down for a regional map.
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Request equity training and assistance
We are honored to help our network members*, local public health, Tribal public health, and other partners carry out the important work of health equity and community engagement.
To request support, please complete this form: Minnesota Health Equity Networks - Training, TA, and Facilitation Request Form
- Please allow up to 2-3 weeks for our team to review and respond to your request.
- Once we review your request, our team will set up a short phone call to clarify needs, expectations, and next steps.
*Network member refers to any person or organization who has participated in Minnesota Health Equity Networks gatherings, trainings, or other opportunities.
Contact the Minnesota Health Equity Networks at health.ophp@state.mn.us.
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