“What do we need to focus on to move our work forward?”
Claire Louge posed this powerful question to nearly 300 Healthy Families Arizona team members at October’s Healthy Families Institute in Chandler.
Attendees were able to take charge of their own learning and growth through an innovative “Open Space” format. Participants proposed discussion topics, selected sessions to attend, and shared insights that will shape the future of their work with families. In place of typical PowerPoint presentations, these 45-minute sessions were driven by conversation and shared expertise. Attendees brought their experiences into the room, co-creating solutions just as they do with the families they serve. This activity put change directly in the hands of those who make it happen every day.
This dynamic, choose-your-own-adventure approach was designed to empower the Healthy Families team to explore the issues most important to them, fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth in a way that genuinely reflects the values of Healthy Families Arizona.
Attendee reflections capture the impact of this exercise:
- “This was a great activity. Knowing you’re not alone in this work is powerful. It was so helpful to hear how others handle similar challenges.”
- “This experience allowed me to think outside the box and truly understand multiple perspectives.”
- “This was by far the most brilliant thing I’ve experienced at a conference—collaborating on topics that truly mattered in our day-to-day work.”
- “Learning is more effective when the community owns the conversation. This activity nailed it.”
In another powerful display of collaboration, staff from home visiting sites created visual wall art to showcase how they are breaking barriers in their work. The creativity on display was inspiring, with each piece reflecting both the challenges home visitors face and their dedication to overcoming them. This visual gallery embodied the heart of their work, reminding us that innovation can emerge even in the face of adversity.
You can access the gallery of these creations here, and in doing so, discover your own inspiration to continue serving others.
The theme of unity in purpose and community ran throughout the two-day gathering. Together, attendees created an experience that was as much about personal and professional growth as it was about belonging.
The impact of the Healthy Families Institute is perhaps best captured in the words of a new practitioner: “I am new to the company, and the feeling of not being alone, along with the resources shared, made me feel like I am in the right place.”
Prevention is about belonging. It’s about helping people feel part of something bigger, and that their expertise, passion, and talents are valued. At this year’s Healthy Families Institute, we didn’t just talk about prevention. We lived it – together.
