Letter from Acting President June 2023
“The fundamental law of human beings is interdependence. A person is a person through other persons.”
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu
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Dear Reader,
Like many non-profits, the Institute is frequently immersed in the inspired yet often messy work of building collaborative relationships that serve to advance towards common goals. There are many adages that tout the power of collaboration, mirrored across times and cultures - from the Beatles’ “With Little Help from My Friends,” to the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” to the Chinese saying, “You cannot clap with just one hand,” examples abound.
Many of the problems we face as a community - including the rising rates of preventable chronic diseases and increased incidence of loneliness and isolation, both focal points of the Institute’s efforts - are so multifaceted that there is simply no other way forward than together. That is why I am proud to be in relationship with so many wonderful organizations that give increased texture and meaning to our work.
One of our most important and exciting current activities is our participation in Episcopal Health Foundation’s Peer Learning Network (PLN), which aims to strengthen existing health-focused coalitions and collaborative efforts by improving their effectiveness, leadership, and sustained ability to take action. The Institute is joined in the PLN by the North Houston District AME Church, Windsor Village United Methodist Church, Harris Health System, and the HOPE Clinic. Together, we are finding ways to most effectively bridge the gap between clinical resources and congregants that are experiencing health challenges. You can read more about the PLN HERE.
Another excellent example of collaboration is our upcoming workshop entitled, “Bridging Neurobiological and Buddhist Views on Craving, Addiction, and Recovery,” to be held in mid-July in collaboration with Dawn Mountain and the Council on Recovery. Our hope is that by working together, even in “unlikely partnerships,” we will be able to provide valuable perspectives that clinicians and those in recovery can use to address substance use disorders more effectively.
As the summer season continues, I hope that inspired, meaningful collaboration finds its way to your life – personally and professionally – and that this connectivity allows for expanded possibilities and broader creative horizons. If you feel called to collaborate with the Institute somehow, please don’t hesitate to reach out directly.
With Peace and Warmth,
Stuart
Stuart C. Nelson
Acting President