IECF Policy and Philanthropy Summit Agenda
Location: Riverside Convention Center
Date: August 1-2, 2024
Day 1: Seeing Together
8:00 AM Registration and Buffet Breakfast
9:00 AM Welcome Remarks
Michelle Decker, President & CEO Inland Empire Community Foundation
Welcome to Riverside: Senator Richard Roth
9:15 AM Table Talks
We are telling a new story of who we are, with the Vital Conditions Framing influencing the region to lead nationally. This session includes dialogues on current Vital Conditions work, personal belonging experiences, and community belonging. We’ll share insights and ideas, highlight regional successes, and emphasize our collective role in fostering belonging and civic engagement. We’ll also discuss our progress and the rollout of our platform.
• Paulette Brown-Hinds Ph.D, Black Voice Media
• Susan Gomez, Inland Empire Community Collaborative
• Monte Roulier, Community Initiatives Network
10:20 AM Partnering for a Thriving Inland Empire
Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson
PANEL: 1
10:30 AM Belonging & Civic Muscle for Thriving
This panel explores fostering a sense of belonging and civic engagement to empower individuals and communities. It highlights bridging differences to prevent disengagement and loneliness. The discussion focuses on identifying those needing encouragement and strategies to enhance belonging and civic participation.
Moderator: Jesse Melgar, IECF Board Member, CIELO Fund Founder, UC Berkeley Possibility Lab
• Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes
• Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Whole Person Index, RUHS
• Marc Philpart, CA Black Freedom Fund
• Joe Shea, Deputy Cabinet Secretary, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
11:50 AM LUNCH Begins
PANEL: Lunch Fireside Chat
Both the State and the Gates Foundation have big, aspirational strategies to change how students experience learning and move through the different steps towards work and career. Let’s talk about those big strategies.
Introduction/Moderator: Torie Weiston-Serdan, Education Equity Program Officer, Inland Empire Community Foundation
• Michael Wiafe, Assistant Deputy Cabinet Secretary, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
• Max Espinoza, Senior Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
1:15 PM PANEL: From Urgent Services to Thriving Communities
This panel brings together local elected officials for a dynamic conversation on transforming their cities and counties within the Inland Empire. They will discuss how they are addressing urgent services and implementing forward-thinking policy changes and innovative programs to foster thriving communities.
Moderator: Michelle Decker, President & CEO, IECF
• Helen Tran, Mayor of San Bernardino
• Supervisor Baca, Jr., San Bernardino
• Neftali Galarza, City Council, Coachella
• Supervisor, Yxstian Alberto Gutierrez, Riverside
• Grace Garner, City Council, Palm Springs
2:00 PM PANEL: Humane Housing for the IE
The conversation surrounding humane housing is a topic that resonates with everyone, whether you are struggling to make rent or having trouble becoming a homeowner. In this session, housing leaders will discuss their successes and explore how to build on these achievements.
Moderator: Ruben Mendoza, Uplift San Bernardino
• Melanie Steele Inland SoCal Housing
• Eloise Gomez-Reyes Majority Leader Emerita (Assembly Cttee on Housing)
• Heather Vaikona Lift to Rise
• Secretary Moss CA Dept of Consumer Services & Housing
• Elizabeth Trombley Kaiser Permanente
3:15 PM TED TALK: LLU and the Vital Conditions Framework
LLU will share how they are making a significant impact through their Vital Conditions initiative. This session will explore their innovative approach, which is not only transforming the Inland Empire but also gaining national attention for its effectiveness and scope. LLU’s groundbreaking strategies are setting new standards for community health and well-being.
• Juan Carlos Belliard, Loma Linda University
• Jasmine Hutchinson, Loma Linda University
Break
3:30 PM The Art of Building Belonging & Civic Muscle
Arts Councils are highlighting the power of art as a pathway to belonging and multi-solving. This session will feature table discussions on how we can leverage art to foster a sense of community and belonging in the Inland Empire.
• Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez, San Bernardino Arts Council
• Kristen Dolan (CDA), California Desert Arts Council
• Rachael Dzikonski, Riverside Arts Council
4:45 PM Wrap Up: Bending the Trend Together
• Jennifer O’Farrell, Executive Director, Healthy Valley Foundation
• Graciela Moran, Office of Policy & Engagement, Inland Empire Community Foundation
We will explore how we can work together to advance belonging and thriving in our communities. We’ll discuss the benefits of joining the Community Commons Platform, including access to some exciting news, and the importance of becoming part of the network. Additionally, we will focus on building and advocating for our shared policy agenda.
5:00 – 7:00 PM RECEPTION ON THE PLAZA
Join us for a reception on the plaza with attendees and speakers to break bread with live music.
Day 2: Thriving in Practice
8:30 AM Forum Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM PLENARY: Welcome, Recap & Today
Join us for a recap and opening thoughts, followed by an exploration of what it takes to grow a Thriving Together Movement. We’ll shape the direction of our Thriving Together Action Network and help you discover the role you and your organization can play in this important initiative.
9:15 AM Growing A Thriving Together Movement
The session will discuss various ways communities are leveraging the Vital Conditions principles. Our leaders will set up table dialogues focused on what it will take to grow the movement, building on the momentum from previous discussions. We will incorporate well-being surveys and dialogues as part of the story to provide a comprehensive view. Discover how you can contribute to this growing initiative and help shape a thriving future.
From Local to Federal
• Becky Payne, President & CEO of Rippel Foundation
North Sound Collaborative Action Network
• Jason McGill, Executive Director, Northwest Youth Services
• Cynthia Andrews, Innovation Initiatives Program Manager, North Sound ACH
• Kevin Riley, NSACH Board, Lead Pastor of Pres Church
Table and full group dialogue
10:30 AM BREAKOUTS:
Building Our Collaboration Action Capacity
Catalytic Data: Well-Being Surveys & Vital Condition Indicators
Explore the art and science of measuring well-being and thriving. This session will share existing Vital Conditions data and well-being survey results, offering ideas and support for rolling out your own well-being survey.
Unifying Narrative(s): story catching & seeing through new lenses
Discover the power of narrative change and how to shape and capture new stories. Learn how dialogue and storytelling can bridge divides in polarizing times, and find out about the new journalism hub and how you can help identify impactful stories.
Launching/Growing/Using Our Collaboration Platform
Learn about launching, growing, and using our collaboration platform. This session will cover its full range of functionalities, offer guidance on content and strategy, and provide insights into capacity building for effective use.
Interfaith Partnership: Using Faith-Based Efforts to Advance Thriving Together
Explore the transformative power of faith-based coalitions in bridging divides and promoting unity. This session will highlight successful examples of faith-based partnerships advancing community well-being and thriving. Participants will examine strategies to build on current efforts and assets within the Inland Empire, leveraging the unique strengths of faith communities to overcome polarization and drive positive change.
Well-Being Economy: Growing an Inclusive and Generative Economy
Discuss the attributes and benefits of a well-being economy, emphasizing meaningful work and wealth creation. This session will highlight the direction, momentum, and assets of IEGO and CA Jobs First. Participants will explore strategies to further advance a well-being economy in the Inland Empire.
11:45 AM Break/Back to Main Room (pick up box lunch)
How We Will Build Our IE Vital Conditions/Thriving Together Movement
Discover how we will build our IE Vital Conditions/Thriving Together Movement. This session includes a planning team overview, compelling updates during mini-plenaries, and a brief reflection on significant insights with a call to action. We will also discuss building network infrastructure and launching an engagement and capacity-building team.
TOWN HALL & LUNCH: Media & Journalism Hub + Fund
This town hall will conclude our day with a discussion on regional media and how everyone can get involved with the Journalism Hub and Fund. Join us to explore opportunities for engagement and collaboration in advancing local journalism.
Moderator: Paulette Brown Hinds & Armando Carmona
• Maya Chupkov, California Common Cause
• Steven Waldman, Rebuild Local News
1:30 PM CLOSE
#LeadingTogetherIE