Community Support

Marshallese Cultural Health Forum 2023: Bridging Communities Through Cross-Cultural Education

Marshallese Cultural Health Forum 2023: Bridging Communities Through Cross-Cultural Education

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Marshallese Cultural Health Forum 2023: Bridging Communities Through Cross-Cultural Education

By Taliilagi Aumavae Aug 31, 2023 No Comments

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.

 

 

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National Marshallese Community Coalition: 2nd Annual Marshallese Leadership Summit 2023

National Marshallese Community Coalition: 2nd Annual Marshallese Leadership Summit 2023

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National Marshallese Community Coalition: 2nd Annual Marshallese Leadership Summit 2023

By Taliilagi Aumavae Jul 01, 2023 No Comments

Earlier this month, Living Islands had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the National Marshallese Community Coalition (NMCC) 2nd Annual Marshallese Leadership Summit held in Arkansas. This event brought together various community members, leaders, and organizations with a shared interest in the well-being and prosperity of the Marshallese community.

During the summit, Living Islands had the honor of delivering a comprehensive presentation that focused on navigating the intricate 501(c)3 application process. This process refers to the application for tax-exempt status under section 501(c)3 of the United States Internal Revenue Code, which is specifically designed for nonprofit organizations. By achieving this tax-exempt status, organizations like Living Islands can further their efforts and expand their positive impact within the community.

The presentation covered crucial aspects of the 501(c)3 application process, including the necessary steps, documentation requirements, and best practices for ensuring a successful and smooth application. By sharing this valuable knowledge, Living Islands aimed to empower other community-based organizations in their journey to obtain tax-exempt status, thereby facilitating their growth and ability to serve their missions effectively.

Kommol tata to NMCC and to all who attended!

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Pacific Islander Voices: Hoops For Hope 2023

Pacific Islander Voices: Hoops For Hope 2023

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Pacific Islander Voices: Hoops For Hope 2023

By Taliilagi Aumavae Jun 23, 2023 No Comments

Bounce to a Brighter Future: Inspiring Pacific Islander Youth with Hoops for Hope

Basketball is more than just a game; it has the power to connect people and inspire dreams. In the Pacific Islander community, there are many talented individuals who did not take the traditional route to success. It is what inspired us to put on this event, to empower the youth and give them a chance to connect with elders in their community. Through this workshop, Hoops for Hope brings joy, hope, and a brighter future to the hearts of young Pacific Islanders. Let’s dive into the incredible work they do and how it guides these talented individuals forward!

Hoops for Hope: Empowering Pacific Islander Youth through Basketball Magic!

On Friday, June 23rd, 2023, Living Islands held their PI Voices: Hoops for Hope event at Parkrose Middle School. It was a remarkable initiative that used the universal language of basketball to make a positive impact on the lives of Pacific Islander youth. With their panel session, they created a safe and supportive environment for these young individuals to develop their skills, build confidence, and unlock their full potential. The passion and dedication of the community members at the Hoops for Hope event is truly remarkable, as they worked tirelessly to inspire and uplift the participants through honest discussions.

The goal of this workshop was to empower youth to see different options for their future careers. We wanted to showcase non-violent approaches to what success could look like. Success doesn’t have to mean higher education at a university, it can mean owning a business, learning a trade or even learning skills for a certification. As the speakers had open discussions and shared experiences, this event helped foster a sense of belonging and community among Pacific Islander male youth. After the session concluded, they had basketball games for the youth as well as community members to engage in. The transformative power of discussion and basketball is undeniable, as it instilled discipline, teamwork, and resilience within these young athletes.

We look forward to creating more spaces that encourages the connection between the youth and elders with the Pacific Islander community. Having discussions based on the idea of improving the quality of life for our youth is important especially for those living stateside. Living Islands is committed to supporting our communities and uplifting one another. Thank you to everyone who was apart of making this event possible, all of our youth who participated and our community members who shared their valuable experiences.

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American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Tech Kit Pickup

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Tech Kit Pickup

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American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Tech Kit Pickup

By Taliilagi Aumavae Jun 23, 2023 No Comments

Bridging the Tech Divide: Empowering Our Communities with Technology!

Living Islands has been one of the recipients of Tech Kits through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)’s Digital Divide Response. This project aims to connect people to the online world by providing them with laptops, iPads, Wi-Fi payment assistance, and other necessary resources. The priority populations they seek to serve include diverse communities such as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), seniors, LGBTQIA+, immigrants and refugees, individuals experiencing houselessness or housing insecurity, foster youth, domestic violence survivors, people impacted by incarceration, individuals with disabilities, and those living in poverty. These priority populations often face significant barriers to digital connectivity.

Living Islands is committed to serving the Pacific Islander community members in need and empowering them to get connected. In an era of rapid technological advancements, it is disheartening to witness the digital divide persisting in many communities. This makes it even more crucial that our community members have access to the resources provided by this project, which aims to bridge the tech divide through funding for the purchase of devices.

As Living Islands continues to work with the Digital Divide Response project with the support of ARPA, their commitment to creating a digitally connected and empowered community shines as an inspiring beacon of progress. Through their dedicated work and collaboration, they are fostering a future where access to technology is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all.

Learn more here about the Digital Divide Response

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