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!
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.
Exciting Collaboration Ahead with Brown Folks Fishing!
We at Living Islands are buzzing with excitement about our upcoming meeting with the inspiring team from Brown Folks Fishing! This collaboration represents a significant step forward in enriching our future GoFish programming.
Our rendezvous point is none other than Orvis, where we’ll delve into the fascinating details of the Salmon Super Highway program. This initiative holds immense significance, not just for the environmental health of our waterways but also for communities like ours, where fishing is an integral part of life. Understanding its impact on ecosystems and the livelihoods of Pacific Islander communities and others deeply engaged in fishing is crucial.
We look forward to an enlightening discussion and the potential of combining our efforts with Brown Folks Fishing to create more inclusive and impactful fishing experiences. The synergy of our shared goals and passions is bound to spark innovative ideas for future GoFish events, fostering a stronger, more diverse fishing community. Stay tuned for what promises to be a fruitful partnership!
