The Voices for Healthy Kids Summit 2024, held in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, was a dynamic three-day event that brought together advocates and community leaders committed to creating healthier environments for children. The theme, “A Glimpse of Latino Experiences”, to examined Latino led movements of the past, present and future. The summit provided an invaluable platform for collaboration, learning, and networking, with a packed agenda focused on empowering communities and driving policy changes to support children's health and well-being.
The summit kicked off on Monday, September 16, with a warm welcome to new grantees. Registration began early, with staff eagerly greeting attendees and helping them settle in. The morning featured a special onboarding session where new grantees had the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and learn more about their roles and responsibilities in advancing healthy kids' initiatives.
The day continued with an engaging evening reception at the Penthouse Rooftop, where participants mingled over dinner and played networking BINGO. The highlight of the night was a special screening of “DOLORES”, a documentary celebrating the life of Dolores Huerta, setting an inspiring tone for the summit.
Tuesday began with an optional yoga session, fostering a sense of community and well-being among attendees. The day’s sessions were packed with insightful discussions and interactive workshops. Participants explored topics such as harnessing community power for early childhood success and defending democracy through voter engagement.
One of the standout sessions featured a lively performance by Folklorico dancers, followed by breakout workshops where attendees could dive deep into specific areas of interest. The afternoon included a powerful conversation with Dolores Huerta herself, where she shared her experiences and insights on community activism and advocacy.
The final day of the summit started with another optional yoga session, followed by breakfast and networking. The focus of the day was on personal and professional wellness, with sessions aimed at helping attendees balance their advocacy work with self-care.
The summit wrapped up with a panel discussion on engaging parents for policy change, highlighting real-world case studies and strategies for effective community involvement. A reflective activity called "This Time Next Week" encouraged participants to think about their next steps in applying what they had learned during the summit.
The summit’s dynamic agenda, with thought leaders and advocates at the helm, promises to empower attendees to leave with a renewed sense of purpose and community.
The Voices for Healthy Kids Summit 2024 was a resounding success, filled with meaningful connections, impactful discussions, and a shared commitment to building healthier communities for children. As the event concluded, attendees left with renewed energy, equipped with new tools and ideas to continue their advocacy work in their respective communities.