Our Approach

We are unapologetic in putting the needs of communities most impacted by racial and health inequities first. We believe that communities hold the solutions to the challenges they face and are committed to investing in community-led solutions.
  • Listening to communities and letting them lead
  • Focusing on transformation
  • Being intentional about relationship and trust building

We are committed to proactively addressing the impacts of systemic racism on the health of communities and creating lasting change within our own organization.

  • Delivering on our racial and health equity commitment and vision to become an antiracist organization
  • Addressing our gaps and blind spots that have contributed to inequitable structures and systems
  • Being trusted, humble partners to community

We will work collectively to advance racial and health equity, with an approach of shared liberation.

  • Working in sync and in partnership with the community to succeed together
  • Working to break down barriers and maximize opportunities to collaborate across the enterprise
  • Defining success as resulting in more vibrant, connected communities

We acknowledge the role we have played in perpetuating inequities and are committed to repair.

  • Owning our historical and contemporary complicity in what we are trying to change
  • Doing all that we can to build equity within our sphere of influence

We will be responsive to community needs and not let perfection impede our efforts.

  • Being willing to make mistakes
  • Adapting to meet emergent needs and priorities
  • Listening to community

We are committed to advancing justice and becoming an antiracist organization.

  • Disrupting, through our questions and behaviors, and naming what needs to be named
  • Be willing to work differently
  • Committing to long-term impacts rather than focusing on short-term ROI

  • Where We Work

    Neighborhoods
    Barriers to healthy eating and physical activity can be found in neighborhoods across Minnesota — from cities, to suburbs, to rural areas. We engage community members to identify those barriers and work together to change them in a way that makes sense to the residents living there.
    Communities
    Where you live can have a big impact on how healthy you are. We recognize that economic and social factors are connected to health equity. Using culturally tailored approaches, we work with communities and identify both needs and solutions to promote healthy living. We aim to reduce the health inequities that exist between communities in our state.
    Schools
    Schools and childcare providers have an enormous opportunity to improve student's health and learning. Yet many lack the tools and programs to support physical activity and healthy eating. We work with schools statewide to help create healthier environments for kids to learn, eat, and be active.