Annual Conference Pre-Session
Power can be distributed equitably if we are willing to ask ourselves critical questions about where power is, how it is used and when it is shared. During our time together we will practice defining power and naming how power shows up in our systems, regardless of intention or good will. Cyndi Suarez says “ structures, rules and systems are the artifacts of our interactions” so how we use power is embedded in how we relate to each other. Together we will examine historical, organizational and personal contexts of power. This will be an interactive experience with multiple breakout spaces for dialogue. We hope to spend time learning together and practice having conversations about power. To that end we urge people to have cameras on and be ready to participate and cultivate relationships across the MDH & MPHA ecosystem.
Presenter
Raymond Neal is a Project Director at Human Impact Partners. Human Impact Partners transforms the field of public health to center equity and builds collective power with social justice movements. They focus on issues of community safety, economic security, immigration, housing and land use and transportation. One of their key initiatives is Public Health Awakened, which is a national network of public health professionals organizing for health equity and justice.
As a native Wisconsinite, he takes great pride in the opportunity to support the development of healthy communities. Raymond has always sought opportunities to cultivate experiences and relationships, placing a premium on growth and development. Mindful, introspective and honest, Raymond has a personality that thrives in any industry focused on human development. He’s a listener, a thinker, a perpetual learner who isn’t afraid to have difficult conversations. He is passionately devoted toward creating a more just world and firmly believes that in order to do so, one must first engage in self-reflection to unlearn internalized messages which perpetuate injustices. He believes the exploration of our relationships with ourselves, others, and the systems we all create and maintain is key to the development of opportunities and spaces for individual behavior shifts and organizational transformation.
This event is open to MDH HPCD staff, MPHA members, and MPHA Health Equity Committee members.
Thank you to MDH Health Promotion Chronic Disease Division for your support and partnership on this special event!