Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Health Equity Forum

We hosted the third-annual Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Health Equity Forum at Highline College. The busy day kicked off with an instructional keynote by guest Keith Benjamin of the Safe Routes to Schools National Partnership.
Benjamin encouraged attendees to be mindful of the tendency to avoid challenges that may arise in the realm of policy change and reminded attendees to stretch and embrace discomfort when working toward health equity goals. He also challenged attendees to continually acknowledge those they work with on a regular basis, as there is a change in one's perspective when they feel they are being seen and heard.
HKCC Leadership trainees Rahel Schwartz, Carolyn Solitaire, and Natasha Jenkins shared their experience with the training. The PSE forum closed with a candid discussion facilitated by HKCC Equity and Governance Team member Yalonda Speaks featuring Senator Joe Fain and Councilmember De'Sean Quinn. Fain and Quinn fielded questions on their journey into political work, speaking frankly of their experience.
Each stressed the importance of creating relationships with one's political representatives as well as community leaders. Fain and Quinn made clear that relationships can and should be made across partly lines, a refreshing perspective that will be important to remember as we approach the 2017 legislative season.

Thank you to Keith Benjamin of Safe Routes to Schools, HKCC Leadership trainees Rahel S., Carolyn S., and Natasha J., and Senator Joe Fain and Councilmember De'Sean Quinn for making our PSE Forum a success!







PSE Brainstorm Questions (below) - Share your answers with us! Send responses to Administrative Assistant Hayley via hayley@cschc.org