In This Issue
What We’re Reading
Studies Show...
Milken Institute Update
Autumn is full of traditions centered around expressing gratitude for our family, friends, and freedoms. These customs take on increased importance when so much of the news around us reflects struggles and challenges. While holidays can look different in different homes, all are joined by the thread of the dreams we share for ourselves, our communities, and the world.
As we continue our work exploring the American Dream, we strive to center its history as a living, evolving reality that we all take part in shaping. This fall, we have been particularly thankful for the tapestry of diverse stories that we encounter every day in the course of our work at MCAAD: stories of triumph over adversity, hope in the jaws of defeat, and grace in the face of prejudice and hate. More unites us than divides us, and we look forward to celebrating with you and sharing those narratives in the years to come.
Thank you for your continued support.
Rachel Goslins
Executive Director & Chief Creative Officer
Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, Milken Institute
What We’re Reading
Giving Tuesday has evolved as a chance for people to use their individual power of generosity to support their communities. Joining in is easier than ever thanks to an “increase in digital giving platforms (accelerated by the pandemic),” according to UBS Philanthropy’s top five trends in philanthropy in 2023. These online sites, like Qgiv, Fundraise Up, and GoFundMe, allow people across the wealth spectrum to contribute, and some cities have risen as philanthropic powerhouses. Do you live in Denver, Baltimore, or Los Angeles? If so, you're among givers—some of the most generous in the US. Where you live can determine not just your experiences but also where and how you give money philanthropically—whether for religion, education, or social services. See how your city ranks according to Fidelity Charitable.
Isn't it also fascinating how food can be a gateway to a world of knowledge, health, and well-being? This month, farm-to-school events are happening all over the country to bring fresh food and nutrition education to students. Washington, DC’s Watkins Elementary has allowed its students to grow vegetables in their school garden and help in the school’s kitchen through a FRESHFARM FoodPrints class. Kids who go through these programs like fruits and vegetables more and are more likely to maintain a healthy weight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Studies Show...
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the remarkable contributions of our nation’s veterans. For nearly 250 years, they have selflessly served and sacrificed to defend the values of the American Dream. Did you know that in the last 20 years, the US has made remarkable strides in supporting veterans who are entrepreneurs? Recently, a study conducted by Veterans Future Lab uncovered an exciting finding: Veterans who are entrepreneurs reported better well-being compared to other US adults, other entrepreneurs, and other US veterans. It's a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the positive impact it can have on everyone’s lives.
Milken Institute Update
In early November, the Milken Institute’s Future of Health Summit in Washington convened leaders committed to bringing better health to more people. This convening underlines the power of coming together to find solutions to today’s pressing health challenges. Watch videos on demand of sessions on medical research, preventive care, and public health, including these panels of interest:
Caring for Our Caregivers: Burnout and the Health-Care Workforce
The burnout crisis among health-care workers came to the surface as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Uplifting health-care workers during the holidays and supporting a vigorous health-care workforce can help shoulder this crisis.
Bringing Health Research Closer to Communities
When people trust their health-care institutions, their health improves. While this may seem obvious, there is plenty of work to be done surrounding confidence between communities and the health-care system. This dynamic discussion explores opportunities and challenges in bringing health research closer to communities.
Food Policy: From Farm Bill to Health Care
Rooting food systems in equity protects communities facing barriers to health care. As we enter a holiday season that is often centered around food, watch this panel to hear from policy experts in agriculture, food retail, and nutrition about the needs of these communities and the potential opportunities to support long-term legislative changes that ensure proper health-care delivery for all.