Health

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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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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.

 

 

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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!

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PI Voices Meeting about Hoops for Hope 24

 

 

Reflecting on Hoops for Hope Dinner and Future Plans

On July 11th 2024, Living Islands hosted a Hoops for Hope community dinner that gathered individuals that played a vital role in the process. They discusses the transformative power of basketball in the lives of Pacific Islander youth. Attendees came together to share their thoughts on the event’s success and to brainstorm ideas for its continued evolution.

Guests unanimously praised the event for providing a nurturing environment where young individuals could explore their potential and envision diverse paths to success. The combination of panel discussions and basketball games was particularly well-received, fostering not only skill development but also a strong sense of community and belonging among participants. As conversations unfolded, there was a shared enthusiasm for expanding the scope of the event in the coming year, with attendees expressing a keen desire to deepen their involvement and explore new opportunities for collaboration. In particular, discussions with Jay, sparked excitement about the possibility of incorporating a tour of Nike into next year’s program, offering young athletes exposure to new horizons and inspiration for their future endeavors.

As guests departed, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to empowering Pacific Islander youth through the transformative power of basketball. With a shared vision for the future and a commitment to continued collaboration, attendees left the dinner inspired to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals within the community.

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Pacific Islander Voices: Hoops For Hope 2023

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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