In this episode we’re joining forces with the Build Healthy Places Network -- whose work sits at the intersection of community development, finance, public health, and healthcare. They intentionally position partnerships between these sectors to leverage community-centered investments to reduce poverty, improve health, and advance racial equity. We’re grateful to be talking with Debra Oto-Kent and Barbara Masters about what this work looks like up close in community. How is the work evolving during this legacy moment? What does it look like to build a sense of belonging and civic muscle through authentic community engagement? And what are the opportunities and momentum they see in communities for moving from recovery to renewal?

Barbara Masters is Principal at Masters Policy Consulting and brings more than 30 years of experience in health policy, philanthropy and government. Barbara serves as the Initiative Director for the California Accountable Communities of Health. Prior to leading CACHI, Barbara led the efforts within The California Endowment to develop policy change strategies and effective methods for measuring progress. She previously served as vice president of the California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (CAPH) and directed intergovernmental relations for the Los Angeles County Department of Health. She began her career in health policy as a legislative assistant for Senator Alan Cranston (D-CA). Barbara serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for ChangeLab Solutions.

Debra Oto-Kent, MPH, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Health Education Council, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting health and preventing chronic disease in underserved communities. The Health Education Council has worked at the forefront of cross-sector collaboration to create innovative, model programs promoting community well-being.  In 2016, the organization received an Innovation Award from the California Department of Public Health and was named a Nonprofit of the Year in both 2016 and 2021 for its work in engaging residents to reduce health disparities in the Sacramento region. Debra serves on the Board of Directors for the West Sacramento Housing Development Corporation and has been recognized for her contributions through such awards as the Al Geiger Memorial Award for Community Service, Exceptional Women of Color (EWOC) Excellence Award by the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the Unsung Hero Award, Senator Richard Pan. 

Explore More:
Build Healthy Places Network
https://buildhealthyplaces.org/

Healthy Neighborhood Investments: A Policy Scan & Strategy Map
https://buildhealthyplaces.org/tools-resources/healthy-neighborhood-investments-policy-scan/

Thriving Together: Belonging and Civic Muscle
https://thriving.us/vital-conditions/belonging-civic-muscle/

Health Education Council
https://healthedcouncil.org/

California Accountable Communities for Health Initiative
https://cachi.org/

Assessing Meaningful Community Engagement: A Conceptual Model to Advance Health Equity through Transformed Systems for Health
https://nam.edu/assessing-meaningful-community-engagement-a-conceptual-model-to-advance-health-equity-through-transformed-systems-for-health/

Debra Oto-Kent and Barbara Masters, Build Healthy Places Network Partners

In this episode we’re talking with Justice Horn, All-America John Parr Youth Award winner out of Kansas City, Missouri. This award recognizes extraordinary civic engagement and leadership on the part of a young person in their community. Justice was recognized for his racial justice advocacy, law enforcement reform, tenant/houseless equity, and environmental sustainability.

Justice serves as LGBTQ Commission Chair for Kansas City, Missouri and has begun a campaign to become a Jackson County Legislator. If successful, he would to be the first openly gay person of color elected to local office in Kansas City, Missouri. Justice believes in the need for representation and the value of community voice to identify their most pressing issues and solutions.

Explore More:

Youth, Social Media, Cultural Entertainment and Civic Action Fair Winners: https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/youth-social-media-cultural-entertainment-and-civic-action-fair-winners/

Kansa City named 2021 All-America City award winner: Recognized for work to build equity and increase resident engagement: https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1630/625 

Rising Kansas City Leaders with Justice Horn: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/197-rising-kansas-city-leaders-with-justice-horn/id1229279588?i=1000531999547

We Before Me - Justice Horn (Campaign website): https://justicehorn.com/

The All-America City Award: https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/america-city-award/

Justice Horn, All-America City John Parr Youth Award Winner

In this episode we’re talking with Maya Bhola, All-America John Parr Youth Award winner out of the city of Miramar, Florida. This award recognizes extraordinary civic engagement and leadership on the part of a young person in their community. Maya is the Founder of “Let’s Picture It”. An inclusive mental health group that allows community members to openly discuss emotions and life challenges. As part of the group discussions they create illustrations that reflect their feelings and help share their stories. 

Maya sees the need to create places where we can come together and understands that the choices we make today -- around ocean clean-up, new builds, and green spaces -- will become the starting point for future generations. 

Explore More:
City of Miramar Named National Winner of the All-America City Awards 2021 (https://www.miramarfl.gov/1922/Miramar-Wins-All-America-City-Award)

Miramar, Florida Named 2021 All-America City Award Winner (https://communitynewspapers.com/featured/miramar-fl-named-2021-all-america-city-award-winner/)

National Civic League All-America Finalists Presentations (https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/america-city-award/participant-presentations/)

The All-America City Award (https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/america-city-award/)

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