In 2014, Berkeley, CA became the first U.S. city to pass a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Utilizing revenues from non-regressive Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) taxes to invest in communities most impacted by the consequences of sugary drinks can be a powerful tool for advancing health equity and justice. Through authentic partnership and inclusive engagement of community-based organizers and advocates, SSB tax revenue can be used to support important community-led efforts for health. This webinar will explore how basebuilding organizations are being funded to improve health justice through SSB taxes.
Join us for a discussion about:
An overview of Berkeley's Measure D, the first municipal soda tax in the US
How soda tax revenues can support the frontline work of grassroots organizations
Four examples of community-centered soda tax investments in Berkeley.
Speakers:
Giuliana Blasi, Youth Development Program Manager @ Ecology Center
Giuliana leads the Youth Environmental Academy (YEA) and youth engagement strategies for the Ecology Center. She brings a decade of working with children, teens and young adults in out of school time programs. Previously, she worked in creative youth development programs such as Destiny Arts Center in Oakland and Loco Bloco in San Francisco, where she served as director of programs. Giuliana is an alumni of the Rockwood Leadership Institute and participated in the CORO Youth Development Fellows Program in 2017. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and Education from UC Berkeley, and is a certified instructor of the Roots of Success Environmental Literacy curriculum.
Dr. Vicki Alexander, Founder @ Healthy Black Families
Dr. Vicki Alexander is an influential leader at the local, state, and national level. As the Co-Chair on the Measure D Campaign for Soda Tax in 2014 she continues to inspire and advocate for health to ensure her children and grandchildren will live in a healthier society. A retired Physician, Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Public Health. Retired MCAH Director and Health Officer, for the City of Berkeley. Founder of Healthy Black Families Inc. Lifetime commitment to health equity and social justice. Board of Director, for the Praxis Project and previously on the Board of Directors for the California Black Health Network.
Mirna Cervantes, Associate Director @ Multicultural Institute
Mirna Cervantes is a first-generation Latina under 30 with 10 years of community-based nonprofit experience. She is currently the Associate Director of The Multicultural Institute, a small nonprofit organization addressing the issues of the Latinx Immigrant community in three counties of the California Bay Area. Mirna is a University of California Berkeley graduate currently pursuing a Masters in nonprofit administration at the University of San Francisco
Leilani Ison, Nutrition Specialist, @ YMCA East Bay
Leilani Ison is currently working as the Nutrition Specialist with the YMCA of the East Bay Early Childhood Impact program. Leilani has been involved in the work of community health promotion over the past few years, and has found a great home with the YMCA doing powerful work in early childhood with a mission deeply rooted in social justice and equity for children and families. Leilani has worked closely with several Bay Area communities, implementing health intervention programs aimed at improving health outcomes for vulnerable youth-aged populations. With her team, Leilani is excited to continue her work in providing early intervention through nutrition education, empowerment, and advocacy.
Meredith Eley, Nutrition Coordinator @ YMCA East Bay
Meredith Eley is a Registered Dietitian currently working as a Nutrition Coordinator in the field of early childhood, with the YMCA of the East Bay. Before working with the YMCA of the East Bay, Meredith spent time cultivating her professional experience in child nutrition, foodservice operation, nutrition education and program management settings across the spectrum, from start-up to major corporation. Through her work, and working with like-minded people, Meredith strives to make a difference in her community and those she serves.
Cost: FREE
This webinar was hosted and recorded on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. View the recording below or access:
Centering Community in Public Health Webinars: Praxis is in a unique position to build bridges between community organizers and traditional public health institutions. Below includes our 2020 webinars designed for local health departments, public health collaboratives and other agencies interested in increasing community-centered health equity and justice; we offer and provide additional webinars and trainings tailored to the needs of our partners upon request.