New Portraits Photo Shoot with Roland
Today some of our staff was lucky enough to get a new set of Profile Pictures, courtesy of our photographer Roland Sarrazen – thanks Roland!
MCHF Workshop � Preparing Medical Teams for a Meaningful Mission in the Marshall Islands
As part of this year�s Marshallese Cultural Health Forum (MCHF), we held a special workshop on Day Two designed to introduce our upcoming medical mission teams to the unique cultural landscape of the Marshall Islands. This workshop, held in collaboration with Village Church in Beaverton, brought together healthcare professionals preparing to travel to the islands as part of our Medical Mission program. It was an enlightening, engaging, and essential experience that provided insight into the Marshallese way of life and equipped the teams with the cultural knowledge they�ll need to serve effectively and respectfully.
For many of these healthcare providers, this will be their first time visiting the Marshall Islands. Our workshop covered a range of cultural insights, from the daily customs and etiquette to a set of �do�s and don�ts� that will help ensure they interact appropriately within the community. With a blend of humor, storytelling, and interactive activities, the session helped bridge the cultural gap, making it a relaxed environment where participants could ask questions and gain practical advice.
In learning about the Marshallese worldview, communication styles, and key cultural practices, participants gained a deeper understanding of how to approach their work in a way that honors the traditions and sensitivities of the local people. These cultural classes are vital to working effectively within NHPI communities, as they lay the foundation for trust and mutual respect.
Workshops like this one are invaluable in strengthening the relationship between our mission teams and the Marshallese community, providing not only practical insights but also fostering a shared sense of purpose and collaboration. We�re proud to have incorporated this cultural training into our program, ensuring that our teams are fully prepared for this meaningful mission. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this workshop a success, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these missions will have!
Marshallese Cultural Health Forum 2023: Bridging Communities Through Cross-Cultural Education
The Marshallese Cultural Health Forum was a transformative experience, where attendees gathered to foster a deeper understanding of health needs within the Marshallese community and beyond. This unique event featured insightful presentations and distinguished speakers, providing invaluable insights into the cultural nuances that influenced healthcare practices.
The forum served as a vital platform for individuals, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to come together and engage in meaningful dialogue. Through cross-cultural education, we aimed to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their cultural background, received the support they deserved.
Highlights of the event included:
Engaging Presentations: Expert speakers delved into various aspects of Marshallese culture, shedding light on traditional health practices, beliefs, and the challenges faced by the community in accessing quality healthcare.
Interactive Exhibits: Attendees immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of Marshallese culture through interactive exhibits showcasing art, music, and cuisine, providing a sensory experience that deepened their understanding of this vibrant community.
Networking Opportunities: Participants connected with like-minded individuals, healthcare professionals, and community leaders who shared a passion for improving health outcomes and promoting cultural inclusivity.
Those who attended the Marshallese Cultural Health Forum gained valuable insights that empowered them to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of Marshallese individuals, and by extension, contributed to a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all.
The event was a significant step towards creating a healthier, more culturally sensitive future for our communities. It was an opportunity for attendees to be part of a movement dedicated to positive change.
2023-08-30 MCHF Team and Speaker Meeting
This year�s Marshallese Cultural Health Forum (MCHF) is just around the corner, and we couldn�t be more excited about the experience we have in store for everyone. Prior to the festival, Living Islands had the honor of hosting all the festival speakers and our team members at our office for a meet-and-greet event. This gathering provided an invaluable opportunity to align our messaging and ensure that the event’s central themes resonate with everyone who attends.
The primary goal of this gathering was to cultivate a unified voice for the forum. By discussing the themes and messages we aim to share, we�re able to ensure that each speaker can contribute in a way that highlights their unique perspectives while aligning with our shared goals for the community. This coherence is crucial in delivering a meaningful experience to our audience, who are dedicating their time to engage with the festival�s offerings and support our collective efforts.
Beyond messaging, the meet-and-greet was a chance to build lasting networks among the speakers and our team. Each speaker brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and lived experience that enriches our community. By connecting these speakers ahead of time, we�re creating a supportive environment that strengthens the bonds within our Micronesian community and beyond. Many of these speakers come from various backgrounds and expertise, and we aim to foster collaboration that will continue to uplift the community well beyond the festival itself.
With a cohesive message and a community-centered approach, we�re excited to welcome you to this year�s Marshallese Cultural Health Forum. Thank you for supporting us, and we look forward to celebrating together!
OPIC Q3 Meeting in Salem
Living Islands is honored to be a founding member of the Oregon Pacific Islander Coalition, joining hands with community leaders and advocates dedicated to uplifting Pacific Islander voices across the state. This past week, we gathered for a productive and inspiring meeting in Salem, Oregon, where we discussed our shared goals and mapped out upcoming initiatives to support and empower our communities.
The energy and collaboration at the meeting were incredible, highlighting the strength we have when working together to address the unique challenges faced by Pacific Islanders in Oregon. We�re excited about the journey ahead and grateful to be part of this vital coalition, working side by side with passionate individuals and organizations.
