Thriving in Montco PA
Creating a Future Where Everyone Flourishes
Moonshot Press
Moonshot approach to a world where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
The First 1000 Days
Nurturing Life's Vital Beginning
Welcome to the Montco First 1000 Days Initiative by The Institute for Salutogenesis. This project is reimagining how we support the health and well-being of our youngest citizens and their families in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Why the First 1000 Days Matter
The first 1000 days of life, from conception to a child's second birthday, are incredibly important. Positive experiences during this time lay the foundation for lifelong health, happiness, and the ability to participate fully in our democracy.
Our Key Questions
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How can we ensure all children and families have the support they need during the first 1000 days?
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What factors contribute to a flourishing life for individuals and communities?
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How do we create environments where everyone can thrive?
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How can individuals, communities, and policymakers work together on these important issues?
Our Mission
To lay the groundwork in Montgomery County for every child to have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We believe this is the foundation of a strong democracy.
Our Vision
Healthy individuals thriving in healthy communities, supported by a political system that invests in well-being for all.
Our Approach
Using a 'salutogenic' approach, we focus on what creates health and well-being, not just on preventing illness. We work with families, communities, and policymakers to understand what leads to flourishing lives and create positive change. We gather data, develop tools, and encourage citizen engagement to make our vision a reality.
A Focus on Democracy of Opportunity
The Democracy of Opportunity Moonshot is a broader vision that guides this work. It focuses on providing every American with the core capabilities needed to live healthy, flourishing lives and engage as active citizens. Investing in the first 1000 days lays the groundwork for this broader vision.
The Whole Person Salutogenic Assistant
We're also developing an innovative AI tool to help families maximize their well-being during this critical time. It considers the many factors that impact health for personalized care.
Get Involved!
Join the movement to create a healthier, more equitable Montgomery County where every child has the opportunity to thrive!
Whole Person Salutogenic Assistant
The 360 Degrees Approach
Digital Twin
Knowledge Base
The First 1000 Days Gets Going
The Institute of Salutogenesis launches the Montco PA First 1000 Days of Life Initiative is an ambitious endeavor aimed at optimizing the well-being and developmental outcomes of individuals during the critical early period from preconception to 24 months of age. This initiative recognizes the significant impact of the first 1000 days on individual health, well-being, and long-term outcomes in most spheres of life. By focusing on this crucial period, we aim to lay the foundations for individuals to thrive and flourish throughout their lives.
Events
Forum
What Do We Owe the Next Generation?
Areas for Exploration
April: Introduction
The First 1000 Days of Life
What We Owe the New Generation?
The theoretical aspects: the first 1000 days
May: The Healthy Community
The Salutogenic Individual and Community
Indicators and Influences
May: The Whole Person Salutogenic Assistant
The Salutogenic Assistant's Knowledge Base
The Salutogenic Individual
June: The Whole Person Salutogenic Assistant
The Salutogenic Community : The local platform
June: My Healthy Montco PA
The Ecosystem and Stakeholders
July: Deliberative Formats
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Citizen Briefs
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Case Presentation
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Citizen Commission
July: Citizen Tool Box
September - October: Take Action- Get Personal, Get Social , Get Political
November: Health of the Region
December: Policy Areas
December: Review
Stakeholder in the Spotlight
Healthcare System
Get Involved
Get Personal
Information and tools for personal well being
Get Social
Information and tools for engaging in your community
Get Political
Information and tools for engaging political locally and beyond
News and Updates
State Interagency Coordinating Council of Early Intervention (SICC)
Representative Liz Hanbidge from the 61st Legislative District in Montgomery County was appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro to be a member of the State Interagency Coordinating Council of Early Intervention (SICC). SICC advises and assists the Department of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Department of Human Services to ensure a system of comprehensive and integrated early intervention services is available to all eligible infants, toddlers, young children and their families.
Health of the Region
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Tracking the state of the first 1000 days
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The salutogenic Community
Reflections:
The First 1000 Days of Life Long Flourishing: Personal Reflections
We are pioneering a path to a future where every child is nurtured from the start, in a community that supports their growth and caters to their needs during these formative years. Our mission is to ensure that every child, especially in their first 1000 days, thrives in an environment that's rich in care, opportunity, and support. Participate
Why Democracy of Opportunity?
Democracy of Opportunity recognizes the fundamental need to ensure equal opportunities, rights, and well-being for all individuals. It provides a comprehensive framework, tools, and resources that empower individuals to participate fully in society and foster engaged communities. By addressing systemic inequalities and breaking down social barriers, the initiative aims to create an environment that enables every citizen to flourish and actively contribute to shaping a vibrant and inclusive democracy.
As we embark on the exploration of "What We Owe the Newborns" in the pursuit of a democracy of opportunity, we delve into a profound inquiry that encompasses philosophical, political, and spiritual dimensions. This effort aims to investigate the moral and societal obligations we bear towards newborn citizens, to ensure their flourishing and equal access to opportunities in a democratic society.
Is it Time to Move From DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) to DOO (Democracy of Opportunity)?
The Democracy of Opportunity for Flourishing Citizens initiative offers a hopeful and inclusive path forward. It’s a response to the shortcomings and critiques of traditional DEI approaches, proposing a more holistic and proactive method for fostering a society where every individual has the opportunity to flourish. By focusing on empowerment, engagement, and well-rounded development, DOO sets the stage for a vibrant, equitable democracy where all citizens can realize their fullest potential.
The First 1000 Days Through the Salutogenic Lens
The salutogenic approach focuses on understanding and promoting health and well-being by examining the factors that contribute to a sense of coherence, which is a person's perception that life's challenges are comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful. The salutogenic formulation can be utilized in promoting democracy of opportunity by emphasizing the importance of creating conditions that enable individuals to thrive and participate fully in society.