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Social Justice Educational Hub The Learning Council Receives $2,000 Award to Uplift Community Voices
Paonia, Colo. — Blending educational, social, and health-oriented goals, The Learning Council (TLC) is a holistically minded organization that works primarily to make the Colorado school system a more equitable one, provide healthy food to its local community, and support social justice initiatives. A recipient of a $2,000 award by the Colorado Equity Compass (CEC) for its efforts, TLC now intends to create a series of five stories that will showcase its work and the need for more of it in the community. TLC’s efforts also work to center the importance of the social determinants of health (SDOH) in determining positive health outcomes.
“One story that we plan to include will respond to the SDOH education and health service qualifiers. We will provide a short article and possibly a video clip about our ongoing work providing comprehensive sexual education to youth in our county,” TLC organizers said. “We also intend to include a story through writing and photojournalism about a county mural project which is focusing on appreciation for migrant workers in our area, celebrating and acknowledging their contribution and participation in our community. This project encourages BIPOC and LGBTQ+ high school seniors to be involved. This project addresses equity, diversity, and engaged youth — many aspects of the SDOH quantifiers.”
TLC is based in Paonia, Colorado, which is part of Delta County, a county that is below state average in many of the SDOH. TLC offers programs that address many aspects of health. The organization’s focus is on education as a resource for all, prioritizing its accessibility when working to improve the SDOH and overall quality of life.
“Another story will highlight our work with the Arbol Farmers Market through an article with photos, and possibly including some interviews of people who benefit from the market (both consumer and vendor),” organizers said." TLC has been a leading force in founding, funding, and organizing this market. The Arbol Market connects our local community with our local farmers, makers, and other vendors. This targets SDOH markers of equity, health, food, and local economy.”
TLC will also include a story about the TLC Kitchen and Youth-led Ice Cream Program via writing and a video highlighting the weekly community lunches that feature local produce and involve school students in the preparation of the meal.
These products can be found below:
“TLC’s mission to support lifelong learning and education as a resource accessible by all is in perfect alignment with the CEC’s data storytelling approach as a means to build community,” said CEC Project Lead Dr. Rachele Espiritu. “We’re looking forward to a collection of story products that frame the importance of social determinants of health (SDOH) in determining health and wellbeing long-term.”
About The Learning Council TLC is a community organization supporting lifelong learning and education as a resource for everyone. TLC uses the Gift Model to provide educational opportunities, celebrating the arts and agriculture, stimulating creativity, enriching local culture, and bolstering community health and vitality. It is also an educational hub for the North Fork Valley, connecting learners and educators to meet specific needs and empower personal growth. TLC offers weekly community meals by donation to the community, highlighting local produce. The outcomes of its programs encourage learners to give back to the community through service. Responding to the needs of our community the Council offers a variety of classes and learning opportunities for all ages and skill levels, continually broadening its course selection.
About the Colorado Equity Compass Across Colorado, communities are facing inequities that impact their health and wellbeing. Different factors, including systemic racism, a lack of affordable housing, and environmental concerns, contribute to these inequities.
As a project of The Colorado Trust, CEC helps communities — and the organizations that serve them — better understand these issues and advocate for change using data and stories. This work consolidates diverse resources, connects peers, and both aligns and empowers communities and institutions via its Equity Data Navigator. The model showcases inequities and the social determinants of health (SDOH) across communities. CEC also serves as a hub for community storytelling and information-sharing.
For more information and to view the Equity Data Navigator, visit coequitycompass.org. For media inquiries, contact CEC at [email protected].