Community Support

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Meeting with KalGov about Health, Medical Mission, and future support

Living Islands recently had the privilege of meeting with the Kwajalein Atoll Local Government (KalGov) to discuss ongoing and future initiatives to support the community. Key topics included our Medical Mission, which aims to improve healthcare access and resources across the atoll, and our collaboration with the Kwajalein Atoll Sustainability League (KASL) to promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

The meeting was a valuable opportunity to align on shared goals and explore new ways Living Islands can support KalGov�s vision for the future. Together, we�re committed to addressing community health needs, enhancing local resources, and fostering sustainable growth across Kwajalein Atoll.

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GoFish 2024 Kick-Off at Clackamette Park: Embracing Culture and Heritage

Amidst the natural splendor of Clackamette Park, the Living Islands team embarked on a dual-purpose mission: capturing compelling footage for our Superfund PSAs and kick-starting the GoFish Ambassadors program.

This day was a significant milestone, as it not only contributed to our ongoing efforts to raise environmental awareness but also marked the beginning of a journey towards forming a state-wide Pacific Islander advisory council in February 2024!

By weaving in elements of our shared fashion and the rich history of fishing deeply rooted in Pacific Islander culture, we aimed to connect with our community on a profound level. The GoFish Ambassadors program is a testament to our commitment to engage with our community through culturally aware channels. It’s designed to empower members, enabling them to represent and advocate for our collective interests and heritage. This initiative represents more than just a meeting; it’s the foundation of a movement that will bring together voices from across the state, ensuring that the unique perspectives and needs of Pacific Islanders are heard and addressed.

As we wrapped up the day’s filming, we felt a surge of pride and anticipation for this program’s impact in strengthening our community ties and preserving our cultural legacy.

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Raising Awareness: Living Islands’ SuperFund Site PSA

In the serene backdrop of Cathedral Park, Portland, Oregon, the Living Islands team embarked on a crucial mission: filming a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about the Superfund Site. This initiative is more than just a filming project; it’s a vital step towards raising awareness and driving education about environmental issues that significantly impact our Pacific Islander Communities. The majestic St. John Bridge towering above us served as a poignant reminder of the intertwining of natural beauty and our environmental challenges. Our focus was to shed light on the SuperFund Site’s complexities, highlighting how it affects our waterways, fish populations, and, consequently, the health and traditions of our communities. The presence of our team, armed with cameras and a sense of purpose, transformed the park into a stage for advocacy and education.

We have invited local experts, community leaders, and environmental activists to share their insights on the Superfund Site’s implications. Their testimonies, rich with knowledge and passion, brought to the forefront the importance of community engagement in environmental issues. Through this PSA, we aim to inform and inspire our Pacific Islander communities to become active participants in environmental stewardship.

The message we are sending is clear: awareness leads to action. As we wrapped up the filming, we felt a renewed sense of commitment to our cause. This PSA is just the beginning of our journey to ensure that our communities are not just informed but also empowered to make a difference in the face of environmental challenges.

 

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The Power of Professional PSAs in Reaching NHPI Communities

At Living Islands, we understand the importance of connecting with our community in ways that truly resonate and leave a lasting impact. In today�s world, professionally produced public service announcements (PSAs) are one of the most effective tools for reaching and engaging our small NHPI (Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) communities. These high-quality PSAs don�t just convey information�they tell a story that speaks directly to our experiences, concerns, and cultural pride.

For many in our communities, access to reliable information on important issues�from healthcare and education to immigration rights and cultural preservation�can be limited. A well-produced PSA cuts through this gap, creating messages that are clear, visually appealing, and, most importantly, culturally relevant. When our community members see themselves and their values reflected in a PSA, they�re more likely to pay attention, trust the information, and share it with others.

The difference a professional PSA makes is profound. The production quality, storytelling, and attention to cultural nuances ensure the message doesn�t get lost. Instead, it resonates, reaching even those who may typically feel disconnected or overlooked by mainstream media. By investing in quality and culturally informed content, we are better equipped to inform, inspire, and uplift our NHPI community.

At Living Islands, we�re committed to producing PSAs that respect and celebrate our heritage while addressing the challenges and opportunities that matter most. We look forward to creating more impactful content that will serve, engage, and empower our community for years to come.

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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!

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