REACH Twin Cities connects equity and community health in digital publication

Aimed to promote engagement and amplify local efforts related to racial equity and community health, REACH was prompted by the abundance of needs that emerged and were revealed in the wake of the egregious murder of Mr. George Floyd.

REACH serves as a convenient central online catalog of up-to-date resources, news and events. The calendar that makes it easy to find the latest events focused on areas most affected by the unrest such as the 38th Street Corridor, University Avenue and West Broadway.

An example of the type of events featured on the REACH website and sponsored, in part, by REACH is the upcoming Reframe Gathering at Onyx Coffeehouse.

Q. Who is REACH for?

REACH content is specifically designed to apply to a broad audience. You will find resources for families, youth, seniors and individuals. Not only does REACH offer support in presenting programs and resources, it is also readily available as an online resource center. REACH can be accessed regularly to help connect people to opportunities to participate in strengthening our community and neighborhoods with equity in mind.

With over a thousand page views each month, it’s clear that REACH is a useful tool.

MIA’s monthly Family Day event. Photo credit: Minneapolis Art Institute

Q. In what ways does REACH seek to advance the commitment?

By amplifying resources, stories, news and events that have the potential to positively move the needle towards equity, REACH becomes a central and vital platform. . From highlighting policies and orders to reduce disparities to promoting opportunities to learn from each other, REACH helps connect the dots in communities. We expect our readers to develop empathy and devise strategies to engage in various ways.

Q. What is meant by “community health”?

We use this term broadly to encompass all aspects of the well-being of individuals and the community as a whole. We envision a culture that embraces health and wellness on many levels. A purposeful life that has meaning and dignity takes many forms. REACH strives to represent many aspects of the wellness spectrum.

Q. How often is content updated and how can I submit news or calendar events for publication?

Continuously ! We add relevant events to the calendar as often as we find them. We are always looking for submissions and looking for events to share with the public. Events, readings, workshops, clinics, exhibitions… everything local, accessible and related.

Photo of Amoke Kubat taken and edited by Brian Moe. Pop-up event at Colorwheel Gallery

News and features are curated by our staff and updated at least once a week. We publish found articles, submitted content that aligns with REACH’s mission and core purpose and conduct research and interviews to bring new content to readers.

Q. What types of articles will I find on REACH?

REACH publishes in seven main categories: Coalitions l Projects l Development l Resources l Funding l Health l Policies and ordinances.

A click on the “Development” tab provides critical updates on everything from what’s happening with the intersection of 38th and Chicago to planned improvements at Powderhorn Park. Open one of these stories and you’ll find out how to get involved and make your voice heard.

The current spotlight on Tamiko French is with the Powderhorn Area Wellness Collective as well as artistic opportunities for young people through Legacy Arts. And our highlight video is currently celebrating Sahan Journal’s 2022 Rising Star Award.

Jacob L. Thornton