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October eNews
We don’t know about you, but we’re excited to be in the thick of fall and the regular thrum of our programs. Our team has just commenced work with a new group of communities through our PlanH program (with another PlanH grant opportunity closing soon—see below), and it’s great to be working with and learning from these communities' unique settings, perspectives and experiences. This past month saw us visit the Lower Mainland, Northeastern BC, the Okanagan and the Western Communities of Vancouver Island, contributing to projects focusing on sustainability, aging in place, physical activity, and healthy built environments (HBE). We also debuted our evaluation research in front of international audiences earlier this month at the International Healthy Cities Conference in Belfast.
We also want to extend warm congratulations to all the newly elected (and re-elected) mayors and councillors across British Columbia! As you work towards setting community priorities for the next four years, we hope you'll stay tuned to our eNews, Twitter and Facebook for news, tools, ideas and inspiration to help you build healthier communities.
Meet Shannon Clarke, MPH — one of our Community Well-being Specialists
Though Shannon’s degree is in public health, her graduate degree included a focus on social policy as well as work in planning. As a result, she’s able to speak both the languages of planning and public health, often acting as a connector between the two fields and providing a unique perspective to our team’s healthy communities work. Hear more about Shannon’s perspective on the value of learning with and from the communities she works with, and the structures that help or hinder communities on their path to well-being.
A to Z of Healthy Communities
Together with Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition, we bring you the A to Z of Healthy Communities—a collection of terms you'd find in the Healthy Cities movement.
I is for Inclusion
Inclusion creates the conditions for all community members to fully participate in society. A healthy community is an inclusive community; inclusion is vital to health and well-being. By ensuring equitable access to resources and decision-making power, we create a better society for all.
New! Active Communities Action Guide
Our newly-released Active Communities Action Guide, developed as part of BC Healthy Communities’ PlanH program, features actions and examples from BC communities, opportunities for funding, a list of other resources and a summary checklist that local governments can use to evaluate their physical activity strategy and next steps forward.
New! Granting opportunity open until Nov. 5
The Health and Wellness Grant for Indigenous Communities, also from PlanH, awards up to $8,500 for community projects focusing on a broad range of healthy community topics. Grant applications are available to First Nations Bands, First Nations Tribal Councils, Métis Chartered Communities, and Friendship Centres. Application window closes November 5.
Upcoming event: Physical activity for all - Tools and approaches for equity in Active Communities
How do we ensure equitable access to opportunities for physical activity in our communities? Our team invites you to be a part of a live province-wide webinar featuring a panel of experts in conversation about the planning and policy approaches communities can use to ensure healthy communities for all. Join us November 20 in Victoria for the in-person event, or via livestream across the province.
Community well-being and placemaking
One of the ways we can create communities collaboratively is placemaking—an asset-based process by which public space is enhanced by the community using it. When done right, it can create accessible and fun spaces for all members of the community. Sarah Ravlic, one of our Healthy Community Planners, discusses the importance of equity in community placemaking, over at the BC Healthy Communities blog.
Creating stronger planners through Reflective Practice
Healthy Community Planner Sandy Mackay explains why Reflective Practice—a method of intentionally stepping back in order to view experiences through a different lens—is important for planners, policy-makers, and other decision-makers in local governments to incorporate into their everyday work (and lives). Learn about this transformative technique.
Reflections on IAP2 Annual Conference
Community Engagement Coordinator, Celeste Zimmer, attended the International Association of Public Participation’s (IAP2) Annual Conference. She came away with new tools, insights, and a greater appreciation for the key factors for developing successful community engagement strategies.
On our blog, you can find out more about the most pivotal tactics for healthy community engagement.
Good news travels fast.
Articles that make you think, make a difference and make your day.
- Our biggest health factor is largely ignored (The Tyee)
- What a society designed for well-being looks like (Yes! Media)
- Trevor Hancock: Profiting by making people sick (The Times Colonist)
- To restore civil society, start with the library (The New York Times)
- More evidence that green space helps develop young brains (Pacific Standard)
