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Challenging Conversations: Using Values-Based Narratives to Build Healthy Communities

Written by Build Healthy Places Staff on June 4, 2025

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Watch the recording of our latest Network Commons, Challenging Conversations: Using Values-Based Narratives to Build Healthy Communities 

The live conversation, which aired on June 30, 2025 explored how public health and community development practitioners can leverage the power of solidarity to reshape the narratives that drive systems-level change. The webinar offered strategies on navigating difficult conversations and examined ways to build connections across sectors to foster collaboration, belonging, and collective action.

Attendees gained practical insights into using narratives, reflected on the tensions in determining language selection for conformity versus conviction, and heard from leaders who work to connect across differences and mobilize partners to advance long-term, systems-level change.

Watch the recording:

Featured Speakers: 

Rachel Peller, Director, Wisconsin Partners

Kellie Easton, President & CEO, Action4Equity (A4E)

Lori Dorfman, Director, Berkeley Media Studies Group

Moderators:

Ruth Thomas-Squance, Co-Executive Director, Build Healthy Places Network

Kevin Leacock, Program Manager, Build Healthy Places Network

Learn More

Check out the resources shared during this webinar!

BHPN Publications: 

Public Health Primer: Engaging Community Development for Health Equity

Crafting a Health Equity Centered Narrative Factsheet