Wanna Spark Change?
Dear friends:
The Georgia Health Initiative logo is meant to connote a spark. When visitors come to our office, they see the “spark” in our signage, our decor, everywhere from the ceiling lights to our shoelaces. (Literally! Ask me sometime to show you.)
The reason: Igniting bold change starts with a spark. Helping people take informed action is at the core of who we are and what we do.
I’ve spent my career working with health foundations, because I am attracted to their commitment to explore the possibility of what could be. I value the role foundations play in being a “spark” for others, which has evolved from charitable giving to systemic changemaking.
We aim to be different. The Initiative is intended to bring bold, system-changing ideas forward, while humbly admitting that we should not, and cannot, sustain change on our own.
We only see possibilities when diverse groups of people and organizations work together for a healthier Georgia. This rings true in the different ways we work, whether commissioning research that informs policymakers or equips advocates, convening people who drive maternal health efforts, or pairing “strange bedfellow” organizations to work together for common cause.
Together is the only way to take on issues that are hardest to solve. Take our Moment of Spark grant program, which launched in the past few weeks. Through Moment of Spark, we’re supporting community-based collaboratives in advancing local, innovative projects that ignite long-lasting impact. These collaboratives are comprised of trusted community organizations who know firsthand the issues their communities face, making them best positioned to identify timely and culturally responsive solutions to those issues. As collaboratives, they’re bringing together leaders and organizations to advance health equity in ways that have a ripple effect, as opposed to merely going it alone.
Likewise, many of the organizations funded through our “Building the Field of Health Advocacy” program are building and mobilizing coalitions of advocates, bringing voices to the table that policymakers need to hear. Partners are advancing health justice for Georgia’s disabled community; strengthening mental health advocacy through education, engagement and grassroots efforts; and working to address housing access to improve the health of people in Georgia.
Our work with WABE prompted important community conversations about maternal health in Georgia and what change looks like. WABE hosted dialogues to improve community understanding of what supports are needed so that moms and families can not only survive but thrive in our state.
In all that we do at the Georgia Health Initiative, we’re not just giving away money—we’re using our financial and social capital to bring people together in ways that will create the Georgia we all deserve. We do not want to be perceived as a competitor to anyone. We are, indeed, a collaborator with everyone.
This work is a long game, and transformation takes time. Along the way we’re celebrating where our “sparks” seem to be taking hold and igniting change. Our work is energizing organizations and brightening communities across the state. Like everywhere, we have a lot of health challenges to address in this state. But if you’re looking for a spark, if you’re unafraid to be bold, if you are willing to consider igniting change… join us. Our door is open and the light is on.
In partnership,
Kristy Klein Davis
President