When "Team Player" Means More Than Just Showing Up

Reading about Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett's reflections on her political journey struck a deep chord with me. Her words about putting in immense effort and still feeling labeled "not a team player" highlight a frustration that many of us deeply invested in social progress can understand.

It's a powerful reminder that for many, especially those from marginalized communities, engagement goes far beyond casting a vote. We dedicate our time, energy, and voices, driven by a profound commitment to seeing our communities thrive. Yet, sometimes it feels like the expectation is simply participation, rather than genuine integration into leadership and strategic work.

My truth is, I'm doing everything I can to stay engaged, because the mission of creating a more just and equitable society is too critical. But authentic inclusion means being put to work, leveraging our unique experiences and skills to build impactful programs and policies. It means being seen as an indispensable part of the solution, not just a necessary demographic.

If you're someone who believes in building capacity from within diverse communities and truly putting passion to work for social good, I'd love to connect. I'm always seeking collaborative opportunities to drive meaningful change.

#Inclusion #CommunityEngagement #SocialImpact #EquityNow #PolicyChange #AuthenticLeadership

Read more

BIG NEWS for family caregivers! ❤️

BIG NEWS for family caregivers! ❤️ The 211 Caregiver Support Program (AARP + United Way Worldwide) is expanding to more states & Puerto Rico!

This means millions more caregivers can access vital, free, 24/7 support through the 211 helpline for resources such as local assistance, emotional support, and more. No caregiver should ever feel alone.

Let's celebrate and share this crucial expansion! If you or someone you know is a caregiver, remember 211 is there for you.

#CaregiverSupport #211Helpline #FamilyCaregivers #CommunityHealth #MakingADifference #SupportLocal #AARP #UnitedWay #Caregiving

Are you a Preservationist: a tool guide for your next project

Placemaking is a multifaceted approach to planning, designing, and managing public spaces that puts people at the center. It's about capitalizing on a local community's assets, inspiration, and potential to create public spaces that promote health, happiness, well-being, and a sense of belonging.

The concept originated in the 1960s with thinkers such as Jane Jacobs and William H. Whyte, who emphasized the importance of lively neighborhoods and inviting public spaces designed for people rather than just cars or commerce. The term itself gained more common usage in the mid-1990s.

In essence, placemaking is about creating public spaces that are not just functional but also meaningful, engaging, and reflective of the communities they serve. It's a dynamic and evolving field that emphasizes a bottom-up, human-centered approach to shaping the built environment. Read more: https://savingplaces.org/stories/sojourner-truth-legacy-plaza-placemaking-toolkit?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=weekly

In Riverside County, Potential Medi-Cal Cuts Cause Distress - California Health Care Foundation

As a member of the Riverside County IHSS Advisory Committee, I read articles like this one and am reminded daily of the critical importance of the IHSS program right here in our community.

Kristine's story from Desert Hot Springs is a powerful example of how IHSS allows our neighbors with disabilities and seniors to live with dignity and independence in their own homes.

Evanne from Rancho Mirage rightly points out the need for continued support and respect for our elders and those with disabilities.

We on the Advisory Committee are committed to advocating for substantial IHSS funding and policies that support both recipients and caregivers in Riverside County.

#IHSS #RiversideCounty #HomeCare #DisabilityRights #SeniorCare

 

U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions | Analysis

As an MPA graduate student, I always look at policy in action. "The National Goal for Reducing Food Loss and Waste" is an excellent example of how government can partner with the private sector to address complex problems. This initiative, led by the USDA and EPA, relies on voluntary commitments from "2030 Champions" to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. It showcases multi-stakeholder collaboration, goal setting, and public-private partnerships – all crucial concepts in public administration.

What are your thoughts on this approach?

#MPA #PublicPolicy #FoodWaste #Sustainability #PublicPrivatePartnership Read more

 

Supreme Court sides with San Francisco, requiring EPA to set specific targets in water pollution permits

The Supreme Court's recent decision on the Clean Water Act requires further analysis as it impacts how the EPA enforces its permit requirements.

The Supreme Court decision regarding the EPA's regulatory power under the Clean Water Act prompted extensive debate. The decision effectively restricted the application of expansive narrative permit requirements that broadly instruct facilities to "do not violate water quality standards."

The Court analyzed the San Francisco Oceanside plant case and determined that the EPA's requirements were unclear.  Despite the Court's ruling, the decision preserved the EPA's authority to regulate water pollution. Regulatory authorities have the ability to establish exact numeric effluent limitations as well as non-numeric requirements, including time- or weather-based restrictions.

The judgment requires that regulatory bodies write permits with greater precision.  The effect of the ruling will hinge on how regulatory bodies apply their existing powers.  Regulatory bodies maintain the authority to enforce strict effluent restrictions based on water quality and additional regulatory actions.

My research focuses on understanding the effects of this ruling on upcoming permit renewals and how water quality standards will be enforced moving forward. The Court's decision represents a recalibration rather than a full dismantling of the Clean Water Act, despite its reputation for opposing regulation. 

Let’s Support Healthy Options for Kids!

Hey everyone! This legislative session, we're thrilled to support Senator Weber Pierson's SB 764 policy. SB 764 requires restaurant chains to offer healthy meal choices for children. Studying for my MPA degree has sparked my deep interest in understanding the potential real-world effects of public health policies.

Think about it: Numerous restaurant kids' meal options contain excessive calories, sodium, and sugar, which we know is harmful to children.  My experience as a research assistant has shown me research demonstrating that these eating habits can result in serious health complications later in life.


But here's the thing: Our goal is to assist families in choosing better options. Through my family experiences, I understand how difficult it is to locate healthy food choices during restaurant meals.  My little cousin enjoys fresh veggies and fruit, but kids' menus often lack these healthy options.

So, here's where you come in! Parents and community members throughout California should provide their feedback. Can you tell me which healthy items you expect to find on children's menus? Is your family faced with children who prefer fresh produce and nutritious options over traditional fried foods when dining out?

 We must demonstrate to government officials the significance of nutritional balance in children's meals for our family and community.  Seriously, let us know! We must show lawmakers why nutritionally balanced kids' meals are vital to us and our families. For example, I’d love to see more whole grain options, grilled protein, and fresh fruit and veggie sides as the default, not the exception. And I’d like water or milk as the default drink options. Together, we can take action to create meaningful improvements for our children's well-being. What do you think? Which healthy choices would you prefer to become available?