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California Convergence eNewsletter - July, 2009 Anouncements |
| Dear California Convergence Participant, |
Welcome to the July issue of the California Convergence eNewsletter! With the summer months now in full force we are seeing a flurry of exciting activity all over the state. Food and physical activity resources are being made available, important events are being planned, and publications are coming out left and right. This month's eNewsletter attempts to gather as much of this information as possible and sync it together in a readable and accessible manner. Below you will find information on the latest announcements from Prevention Institute, Public Health Law and Policy, Public Heath Institute, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, and much more. Be sure to look over the events list as there are several activities taking place right just days or weeks away. Also, you will notice we have included the Transportation Resources and Websites section from July's issue. After sending out last month's publication we found a great deal of interest in this list and so decided to include it in one more issue. Take a look, and share it with your colleagues.
We are currently in the process of evaluating the effectiveness of this eNewsletter in order to ensure this publication continues to serve the reader's needs. We urge you to contact us by replying to this eNewsletter and share what you find most valuable in the publication, and what you would like to see changed. You can also contact Kevin Cloud directly at Kevin.Cloud@partnershipph.org.
If you would like your work, news, events, or resources featured in August's eNewsletter please contact us right away. And again, be sure to check out Ning where you can share resources, best practices, join the discussion boards, or simply network with other advocates working to improve food and physical activity environments. | |
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| California Convergence Announcements |
Transportation Prescription
PolicyLink and Prevention Institute will release a new report July 21 showing how smarter federal transportation investments could make millions of Americans healthier and cut down on rampant health disparities in low-income communities and communities of color. From obesity and asthma to fresh-food access and pedestrian safety, the report demonstrates how transportation and health are inextricably linked. Featuring a foreword by Rep. Jim Oberstar (chairman of the influential House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the author of the proposed federal transportation bill), the report, The Transportation Prescription: Bold New Ideas for Healthy, Equitable Transportation Reform in America, lays out key policies and programs that would help improve health outcomes in vulnerable communities, create economic opportunity and enhance environmental quality.
Once the report is released, you will be able to find it here.
The Launch of Jointuse.org In partnership with BMSG, Prevention Institute proudly announced the launch of a new interactive website dedicated to helping create safe places for children in all communities to play and be active. By showcasing successes as well as the problem, Jointuse.org provides the tools and resources advocates need to launch successful joint use agreements, allowing for shared use of public spaces like schools with community members once schools are closed. Click here to visit this new, interactive website now.
Changes in the WIC Food Packages: A Toolkit for Partnering with Neighborhood StoresPublic Health Law & Policy (PHLP) and the California WIC Association announce a new toolkit for advocates working to increase healthy food access in low-income neighborhoods: Changes in the WIC Food Packages: A Toolkit for Partnering with Neighborhood Stores. The selection of foods available through the WIC program recently changed for the first time in 35 years - a change that holds potential to transform the retail food landscape in low-income communities. All WIC vendors will be required by the new federal rules to stock their shelves with an array of products including fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, and soy foods. Anyone shopping at a WIC-authorized store will have access to these healthy foods. For advocates working with corner store owners, the WIC changes present an important opportunity. This new toolkit provides a range of tools and strategies for advocates to identify and work with prospective WIC vendors -- and to help these retailers upgrade their offerings in accordance with the new, healthier WIC food packages. You can download the new toolkit by clicking here.
New Resources from CPEHN
CPEHN has announced 3 new resources are now available on their website to all who may be interested:
- The Landscape of Opportunity: Get CPEHN's latest policy brief, The Landscape of Opportunity: Cultivating Health Equity in California, which connects social and environmental inequities to the health disparities experienced by California's communities of color. This comprehensive resource includes charts and maps, all by race/ethnicity, and policy recommendations to advance health equity. Download your copy here.
- Mapping Health Equity: Accompanying The Landscape of Opportunity brief is a mapping tool on our website where you can map select socioeconomic factors, social and environmental factors, and health conditions, all by race/ethnicity. Check it out today and use it in your advocacy!
- Voices for Change Conference: On June 30 over 200 advocates, community members, and public health and health care professionals came together to forge a stronger partnership between traditional health care and primary prevention at our conference, Voices for Change: Connecting the Dots Between Prevention & Care. You can now download presentations from the plenary session and six of the workshops at our website. You can also check out photos from the event on our Flickr site here.
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| California Convergence Events |
Dialogue4Health Web Forums Continue!
July 21, 12:00-1:30 PST / 3:00 -4:30 EST
August, 4 10:00-11:30 PST / 1:00-2:30 EST
Important policies to shape our health system and the nation's health are being debated in Congress right now.
We invite you to participate in a series of free web forums organized by Prevention Institute and Public Health Institute on Dialogue4Health.org.
Preliminary Agenda
· Update on health reform legislation
· Status of community prevention and equity elements
· How to make the case for community prevention and equity
· Actions to reach all members of Congress
· Taking advantage of media opportunities
· How organizations and individuals can educate without lobbying
· Primer on conducting a legislative visit Web Forum Schedule
Web Forum: Taking Action to Support Community Prevention and Equity in Health Reform
July 28th, 2009
Join fellow California advocates for a web forum on July 28, (12-1:30 PST) hosted by Public Health Institute Dialogue4Health and Strategic Alliance.
Important policies to shape our health system and the nation's health are being debated in Congress right now. YOU can have an impact by reaching out to members of Congress now and during the August summer recess.
We invite you to participate in a web forum for California community prevention advocates that will include:
Updates on health reform bills
Actions to reach all members of Congress
Community prevention and equity talking points
How organizations and individuals can educate without lobbying
Taking advantage of media opportunities
Click here to register. Every member of Congress should be contacted to hear what you have to say about why Prevention and Health Equity critical to the success of health reform- we need you to be involved! Important: As a private citizen, you have a right to educate your representatives about why prevention is essential to heath reform. Attending this web forum is not a lobbying activity. If you are unable to attend the California web forum on July 28th, there will be three national calls that you can attend. To learn more click here. Safe Routes to School National ConferenceAugust 19-21, 2009 Portland, Oregon Whether you are a local practitioner, transportation planner, advocate, school official, engineer, parent, health professional, researcher, non-profit partner, or with law enforcement, this conference will provide valuable information for propelling your Safe Routes to School work to the next level. Click here to learn more or register.
Workshop Series Now Happening- "Implementing SB 375: What Local Governments Need to Know about Climate Change Legislation"
Several dates and locations between April and July, 2009
Last summer California Convergence successfully helped push for health considerations to be included in implementation decisions to meet California's climate change targets. Now we can help our local elected officials learn how to implement health considerations as well. The workshop series will be hosted by the Local Government Commission, the Governor's Office of Planning and Research and Senator Darrell Steinberg. Click here to learn more and to register.
The 2009 SPARK Institutes Are Here...Reserve Your Spot Now!
Several dates between April and July, 2009
San Diego, California
It's getting to be that time again folks; time for Learning, Leadership and Laughter in the San Diego Sun! The '09 SPARK Institutes are shaping up to be another amazing experience for educators, and we look forward to seeing YOU in San Diego!
To learn more about the SPARK Institutes or to register, please click here. You may also contact Lindsay Santoro at lsantoro@sparkpe.org, or 1-800-772-7573 ext. 2239. |
| Transportation - Websites, Resources and Toolkits |
Humboldt Partnership for Active Living
The Humboldt Partnership for Active Living is a coalition of individuals and organizations with a common interest in improving Humboldt County residents' opportunities to integrate and increase physical activity into their daily lives. This is an excellent resource for those working in food and physical activity environments, especially in rural areas. Humboldt Partnership for Active Living - Safe Routes to Schools toolkit
This Safe Routes to Schools Toolkit is designed to be used by all school personnel, law enforcement officers, transportation planners and engineers, parents and community members in need of supporting materials for efforts to increase the number of children safely walking and rolling (by wheelchair, board, scooter, bike or bus) to school. The materials are divided in to sections and cross referenced for ease of use. Although this toolkit is specifically designed for use in Humboldt County, it's an excellent resource for those living in other rural areas who wish to implement a safe route to schools program.
Green Wheels
Green Wheels, an alternative transportation club that has now also formed a non-profit. Green Wheels works for a healthier community, economy and environment, advocating for balanced and sustainable transportation on the North Coast of California.
Transportation For AmericaTransportation for America has formed a broad coalition of housing, business, environmental, public health, transportation, equitable development, and other organizations that are seeking to align national, state, and local transportation policies with an array of issues like economic opportunity, climate change, energy security, health, housing and community development. Transportation & Health 101 ToolkitCreated by researchers and experts in the fields the Transportation & Health Toolkit 101 is a collection of documents that illuminates how health and transportation intersect and demonstrates how effective transportation policies can improve the health of communities and their residents. Complete Streets CoalitionInstituting a complete streets policy ensures that transportation planners and engineers consistently design and operate the entire roadway with all users in mind - including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. Click here to learn more. |
| California Convergence - Grant Opportunities |
School Wellness through Expanding Breakfast Grant Program
Deadline: December 1, 2009
The 2009 Dairy MAX School Wellness through Expanding Breakfast Grant Program helps schools begin new expanded breakfast programs to improve student access to nutritious meals. The goal of the expanded breakfast program is to increase the average daily participation by 50 percent or more by establishing one of the following alternative breakfast service options: Breakfast in the Classroom, Grab 'n Go Breakfast (served outside the cafeteria), or Breakfast after 1st Period.
Please click here for more specific grant information and to apply.
Peaceful Pathways: Reducing Exposure to Violence
Deadline: December 31, 2009
Through this special solicitation from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Local Funding Partnerships, the Foundation partners with diversity focused funders and other local grantmakers to fund projects to reduce violence in specific communities such as those defined by race, ethnicity, tribe, gender, sexual identity or rural/frontier location.
Please click here for more program and grant specific information.
KaBoom Community Partnership Grants
Deadline: Rolling
KaBOOM! is a national nonprofit that envisions a place for children to play within walking distance to local residences in North America. In order to achieve this, KaBOOM! has created ongoing opportunities for community organizations to build a new playground or skatepark. Ideal community partners are usually child-serving non-profit organizations, but can be community development organizations, neighborhood coalitions, schools or any organization that can mobilize a volunteer work force and is in need of new play places.
Please click here for more specific grant information and to apply. | |
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Partnership for the Public's Health
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