Rhode Island’s Learning Community: From Commitment to Practice

Register today! Registration for Rhode Island’s December ‘26 Learning Community is now open. Join community leaders, community-based organizations, State agencies, and public health practitioners from across sectors for a day of shared learning, relationship-building, and collaboration on issues that affect the health and well-being of Rhode Island communities. Be a part of the learning, connection, and shared action that emerge from working together. For the last decade, the Learning Community has been more than just a conference. It’s a space where Rhode Islanders come together to learn from one another, build relationships across sectors, and create change rooted in the voices of the communities they serve. The conversations, relationships, and learning have always had relevance beyond the HEZ network, and we’re making room at the table for the many more stakeholders, organizations, and community members who are doing this work across the state or who want to start. Rhode Island’s Learning Community is a living network of people from across sectors working together to transform how institutions show up for communities. Learning Community events bring together government, nonprofits, and residents to learn from one another and take action on social and environmental issues impacting Rhode Islanders' health and well-being. Rhode Island's Learning Community events serve as: • A collaborative learning lab where participants explore how to move beyond traditional community outreach. • A path toward true partnership where communities and institutions become co-learners and co-creators of solutions rather than passive audiences receiving instruction or authoritative sources delivering it. • Action-oriented networks in continuous practice tackling local issues, led by community voices. For more information and to learn how to become a sponsor for Rhode Island’s Learning Communities, please email [email protected]. 90-Minute Workshops Human Systems in Practice Part 2: From Listening to Action After last session’s discussion about the importance of building trust and belonging in organizations and professional relationships, this session will explore strategies to build trust and lead effectively through a human systems approach. Participants will examine how to best utilize communication, power, follow-through, and repair to build organizational trust over time. This session is for anyone interested in building their capacity to lead within organizations and communities and build effective partnerships. Audience: All are welcome, including newcomers! Building the Beloved Community with Clarity, Resilience, and Shared Purpose The Racial Identity Development Model (RIDM) is a framework that describes how individuals understand and develop their racial identity over time. Imagine a lens that offers clarity, better ‘innerstanding and understanding,’ and leads to deeper curiosity, compassion, patience, and empathy! By consciously applying the RIDM every day, in every way, we stretch and strengthen our ability to build and sustain a resilient Beloved Community in Rhode Island. Audience: This workshop is part of the Racial Equity Community of Practice. It is best for people with an intermediate or advanced understanding of racial justice work. New participants are welcome! Pathways to Health Justice, Understanding Communities, and Building Capacity Learn about the Center for Black Health & Equity and how the Community Development Model (CDM) can reduce population health disparities. Explore core determinants, history, culture, context, and geography to understand community dynamics with practical examples of how to apply the HCCG Framework, and identify local examples of community capacity, infrastructure, and development as essential assets to improve community health. Discover how to shift from individual perspectives to collective community-driven solutions. Based on the CDM, analyze local contexts and learn to identify and leverage community assets, resources, and social capital. Audience: Community leaders and equity advocates from every background are welcome. Rooted in Community: Shaping Solutions Through Partnership This interactive discussion will launch a learning series focused on addressing the impacts of federal policy changes that affect access to essential services and resources. Join cross-sector partners to explore approaches that use trusted relationships to connect State agencies, community organizations, and residents. Together, we will identify strategies to strengthen partnerships, support community well-being, and improve outcomes for Rhode Islanders. Audience: All are welcome. Less Planning, More Doing: Lessons from the Climate Action Community of Practice Over the last 6 months, 3 HEZ communities -- Warren, West Warwick, and Pawtucket/Central Falls -- have participated in an innovative Climate Action Community of Practice. Each community is leading climate action work on the ground while convening regularly to reflect on how to improve their impact and make State programs more effective at supporting community-based climate work. Join us to learn about this exciting process and help shape its recommendations to State policymakers. Audience: All are welcome: community-based organizations, city and state policymakers, and everyone in between! 60-Minute Workshops The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and What It Means for Communities Panel discussion: Discover how the RHTP's data-driven cross-sector collaboration will impact all Rhode Islanders. Learn how past efforts are informing the RHTP’s development and improving coordination across communities and systems. Panelists will discuss Rural Community Health Networks, Community Clinical Care Hubs, and evolving community data systems that support community health and well-being through data-driven community strategies and value-based care models to build quality, efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in healthcare systems and human services. Audience: All are welcome. Rethinking Housing Development, Part 2: Putting Community Priorities into Action Continue to explore how community leadership can shape housing development that reflects local priorities. Through a presentation from another HEZ, hear how community-driven approaches are being put into practice, including lessons learned and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration. Together, we’ll build on the first session’s discussion to explore how community partnerships can translate resident priorities into meaningful housing solutions and healthier communities. Audience: All are welcome, especially HEZ PRO Housing grantees, collaborative partners, engaged residents, etc. Planning WITH and for EVERYONE at emergency mass dispensing sites Plan and network for emergency mass vaccine or pill distribution during a public health emergency. Explore the roles community members play and identify best practices, issues, and concerns related to response plans. Participants will also review and provide feedback on a picture communication board that could be used at emergency dispensing sites to overcome communication hurdles. Contacts for local leaders will also be distributed. Audience: All are welcome, especially anyone who sees themselves as a trusted messenger for communities and is interested in ensuring emergency mass dispensing sites function well for everyone.