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In this episode, we bring you highlights from our powerful Network Learning session, Artistic Dialogues: Healing Communities, Inspiring Activism! North Sound ACH Artist-in-Residence Khemistry Williams is joined by panelists Ramón Rivera and Karla Estevez-Solano of MV Folklórico, Silvia Alvarez and Rosa Juarez Soria Mondragon from Triumph Teen Life Center, and Christopher Sadler (Gina Touché) of Simply Curious | Skagit Drag.

Don’t miss this transformative conversation on the cultural and systemic factors shaping our relationship with art and how to harness it for personal well-being and social change! To view the full session, the complete slide deck and more explore our Resource Library — just follow the link in the show notes to access these valuable tools for your journey in creative advocacy.

Learn more about North Sound ACH: https://northsoundach.org/

Resource Library: https://northsoundach.communitycommons.org/

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In this highlight episode, we revisit key moments from our first 2024 Network Learning Session, Birth Equity: Beyond the Doctor’s Office. Tune in to hear powerful insights from local leaders Shanell Brown (Shades of Divinity), Olympia Edwards (Project Girl Mentoring Program), and Memorie Gladstone (Open Arms Perinatal Services). Together, they unpack the current state of birth equity, share stories from the frontlines, and offer actionable steps for creating change at both the community and organizational levels. Whether you joined us live or are hearing this for the first time, this episode is packed with inspiration and ideas to drive equity forward.

More information on this episode can be found on our Resource Library, click here!

Learn more about North Sound ACH: https://northsoundach.org/

Resource Library: https://northsoundach.communitycommons.org/

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In this bilingual episode, we sit down with North Sound ACH CEO Liz Baxter, Care Coordination Specialist Guillermina Bazante, and Silvia Alvarez, Founder & Executive Director of Triumph Center, to discuss the vital importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces for teens. Triumph Center provides an environment where young people can explore their identities, connect with their cultural roots, and discover new interests while receiving school support.

You'll also hear directly from students who currently attend Triumph, sharing the transformative impact this space has had on their lives. Tune in to learn more about the powerful role community spaces like Triumph play in shaping our future leaders, and find out how you can get involved by visiting triumphtlc.org.

Learn more about North Sound ACH: https://northsoundach.org/

Resource Library: https://northsoundach.communitycommons.org/

Questions? [email protected]

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In the final part of this North Sound Voices podcast episode, Liz and Soma Saha, MD, MS, continue exploring "vital conditions" essential for community well-being. They discuss practical strategies for integrating these elements into our societies, with real-world examples of community-led initiatives driving change.

Soma highlights the power of collective action and the importance of sustaining momentum for broader impact. Join us for actionable insights on building inclusive, resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more about North Sound ACH: https://northsoundach.org/

Resource Library: https://northsoundach.communitycommons.org/

Questions? [email protected]

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In part one of this episode of the North Sound Voices podcast, Liz welcomes Soma Saha, MD, MS, President and CEO of Well-being and Equity in the World (WE in the World) & Executive Lead of the Well Being In the Nation (WIN) Network. Together, they explore the transformative power of reframing "social determinants of health" as "vital conditions"—the essential elements every community needs to thrive, such as humane housing, meaningful work, and a sense of belonging.

Soma shares her journey and emphasizes that true sustainability comes from building relationships and civic capacity, not just maintaining programs or funding. They discuss how leading with love and fostering civic engagement can create inclusive and resilient communities.

Through real-life examples from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and Black farmers in North Carolina, Soma illustrates the impact of community-led transformation. Join us for an inspiring conversation about creating a world where everyone can thrive, becoming better ancestors, and the audacity to dream of a brighter future!

Learn more about North Sound ACH: https://northsoundach.org/

Resource Library: https://northsoundach.communitycommons.org/

Questions? [email protected]

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Join us for an insightful episode with Skagit County Commissioner Lisa Janicki and Pastor Kevin Riley from Mount Baker Presbyterian Church! From personal stories to data-driven insights, this episode uncovers the heart of humane housing challenges and showcases the power of community-led solutions, like Cultivating a Future of Financial Liberation and The North Star Project.

Join them as they explore the pathways to transforming housing access and affordability, and discover how individuals, governments, and communities can come together to create lasting change!


Resources:

• Mount Baker Presbyterian Ministry Update
• Clean and sober for 10 years, a clergy couple at Matthew 25 church helps people escape poverty and addiction
• Indivisible Skagit videos
• Martha’s Place Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for households experiencing homelessness and low-income households at risk of homelessness in Skagit County
• The Collaborative Action Network
• The Criminalization of Homelessness
• Homelessness - All Across America
• Humane housing and health
• How stable housing promotes better health
• The Spike in Homelessness in US Cities Isn’t Slowing Down
• Learning Journey: Belonging and Civic Muscle

Learn more about North Sound ACH: https://northsoundach.org/

Resource Library: https://northsoundach.communitycommons.org/

Questions? [email protected]

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Join in on a compelling conversation with Liz Baxter, the CEO of North Sound ACH, and Becky Payne, the President of the Rippel Foundation, as they explore the importance of Vital Conditions.  Liz and Becky will dive into how the vital conditions have been adopted and applied at the federal level and in community organizations. Don't miss hearing about some of the inspiring work being accomplished in the North Sound region!

Resources:

• Rippel Foundation - Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being
• Organizing Around Vital Conditions Moves The Social Determinants Agenda Into Wider Action
• Thriving Together - Vital Conditions
• Community Commons - Seven Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being
• North Sound ACH Resource Library - Vital Conditions 
• North Sound Collaborative Action Network
• Targeted Universalism 
• Imagine Fox Cities
• Skagit County North Star Project - North Star Thriving Together
• The Vital Conditions: Skagit County Mayors and Commissioners

Learn more about North Sound ACH: https://northsoundach.org/

Resource Library: https://northsoundach.communitycommons.org/

Questions? [email protected]

Find us on socials @northsoundach

Send us a text

North Sound Voices brings experiences, ideas, and solutions from across the North Sound region to you. We believe in the wisdom of our region. We believe that our communities know what they need – and are demonstrating resilience every day. And we believe we are stronger together. When we listen to and learn from each other, we can do more than we ever could alone. Listen to this podcast to feel connected, inspired – and proud to call the North Sound your home.

Read more about the Vital Conditions for Well-being here https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/organizing-around-vital-conditions-moves-social-determinants-agenda-into-wider-action

Learn more about North Sound ACH: https://northsoundach.org/

Resource Library: https://northsoundach.communitycommons.org/

Questions? [email protected]

Find us on socials @northsoundach