Building a healthy community

There is a gathering taking place at the end of May called Brains and Partnerships.

This dialogue is as much about hearing and listening to the amazing speakers as it is about bringing people together (literally) to build a universal community that, together, will move towards reconfiguring a system.

The intent is to figure out what we need to do in order to effectively support healthy brain development (ie: ‘building’ healthy young children) at the most critical stage(s).

On my daily drive to town last week, I framed in my imagination Brains and Partnerships in terms of house building (yes, my parents were contractors Ð it is in my blood).

When anyone, or at least a good-quality contractor, builds a house, they know good drawings are essential. The whole point of the project is to build a quality structure that will last a lifetime without failure. In order to spend the least amount of money it is essential to get it right the first time around because renovations are expensive. After the framing and finishing and so on, has taken place, reframing, rewiring, and refinishing is expensive and stressful.

Brains and Partnerships is about gathering all the information possible so together we can figure out how to create the best set of drawings to guide our communities towards raising healthy people.

Much effort has been made throughout the last year, or more, towards engaging all communities and governments to become more aware what is happening (or not). It is important people come out to be at the event in order to participate in the talk and help shape the movement.

Every person’s experience is important to help effectively guide the future.

This event in any other place or time would be upwards of $275 to $300 per person to attend. As you may know, there is no charge to attend this gathering Ð it is free Ð in order to provide as much opportunity to anyone with interest to take part.

I encourage each of you to: pass this message along to parents, caregivers, business owners, ministers, deputy ministers, managers, frontline people in education, health, social, economic development, justice, environment and anyone else you can think of.

Forward it to your colleagues and friends and family

Please attend. Register as soon as possible (so we can adjust the space accordingly).

And e-mail (kswales@yukoncollege.yk.ca) or call me if you have any questions.

Kate Swales

Whitehorse