Civic Health Index

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Profiles of Civic Health

A series of conversation about all aspects of our civic health.

Social Connectedness in Towns and Cities
Bridging Connection Across Diversity
Innovation in Civic Education
Profiles of Civic Health: Bridging Connection Across Diversity​

Joseline Reyna- Multicultural Coalition of Grand Island

Joseline Reyna puts herself in position to connect with others. In her work with the Multicultural Coalition of Grand Island and in her personal life, Reyna knows weaving diverse backgrounds in the community comes down to relationships.

Connecting with new Americans

In addition to connecting Grand Island’s newcomers to services, one of the ways the Multicultural Coalition empowers individuals is by helping them become acquainted with the community. Their annual immigrant story walk celebrates new citizens by inviting them and their families as well as community members and donors to connect with each other, which might not happen on a daily basis. During the process of preparing for naturalization the Multicultural Coalition also pairs volunteers with clients to study for the citizenship test, providing a time for immigrants and long-time community members to connect one on one.

Reyna’s work is rooted in her personal experience knowing what it’s like to need help as a new American. “Coming to the US was a culture shock and I think the work that we do of helping newcomers feel a part of the community is very important. Oftentimes we’re that main resource and the first contact they have,” said Reyna.

“These are people”

In addition to helping get immigrants connected to the right help for everything from housing to taxes to school, Reyna also is passionate about connecting Grand Island residents to personal stories of immigration in their community.

“There’s often a negative narrative about immigration, and I like sharing my story and other stories to make personal connections to understand that these are personal stories and these are people in our community.”

Reyna says that connectivity works through relationships, so she puts herself in different groups where she has the opportunity to share her story as well as learn about others different from her. Although relationships with people very different from you can be a challenge, Reyna says building trust allows you to talk through questions about each others’ culture that would otherwise go unanswered.

Translation is important, but no substitute for networking

Language barriers and communication can be a challenge in Grand Island, where not only do many in the community speak Spanish at home but also Arabic and Somali. Reyna admits that as someone who grew up bilingual, she didn’t notice that the lack of translated materials resulted in exclusion of others in the community.

While printed materials and social media are important for communicating with their supporters, Reyna says that their clients communication is mostly done through networking and word of mouth. “It’s relationships that we build with our clients where they can then go and tell their friends…Understanding how different cultures function and learning about relationships helps to keep us providing services in the community.”

The Multicultural Coalition actively works to bridge communication through translated materials and personal relationships. As she continues this work, she says others can help build connection in the community by recognizing when we might be in a position of privilege to help others get a seat at the table.

Why does Civic Health matter?

Strong Democracy
 Our country’s system of governance relies on the civic knowledge and participation of the people to govern effectively. Through cultivating relationships with our neighbors and engaging in discourse and action on shared priorities, we cultivate the habits and mindsets central to sustaining a democratic society.

Health and Wellbeing
 Increasing evidence suggests that civic health is at the heart of thriving communities and overall well-being. Time spent with friends, family, and neighbors make a living in a place meaningful, but is also linked to improved mental and physical health. Even seemingly small actions, such as having dinner as a household, giving a ride to a coworker, or organizing a block party, are civic actions that contribute to health and wellness, especially in times of need.

Economic Prosperity
 Civically healthy communities position residents, neighborhoods, and towns for economic prosperity. Job seekers often find opportunities through social connections and entrepreneurs rely on their networks for mentorship and investment. Cities and towns that create a sense of belonging for all residents and come together to make smart investments in the community are better positioned to attract and retain a talented workforce. Representative power, inclusive engagement, and connections that bridge different groups within the community help ensure that development provides equitable access to opportunities for all people and all geographies.

Community Development
 Civic health is important to completing community projects that increase quality of life and solve local problems. Whether it be building workforce housing in Stuart or renovating Gene Leahy Mall in downtown Omaha, successful efforts are powered from within by volunteers who rally around a common cause. Democratic involvement in these communities extends beyond managing differing opinions, but rather builds the capacity to work together and sustain action on important issues.

Legacy
Nebraskans are eager to see upcoming generations form good civic habits and a care for the community around them. People across Nebraska work hard to provide opportunities for youth to be involved in community life because they believe it is an important facet of a person’s character and ultimately living a good life.

Acknowledgements

WORKING GROUP

Janell Walther, Ph.D. – University of Nebraska Public Policy Center  /  Brandon Grimm, Ph.D.- UNMC College of Public Health  /  Kenya Love – UNMC Center for Reducing Health Disparities  /  Don Macke- Nebraska Extension  /  L.J. McElravy, Ph.D.- Nebraska Extension and Rural Poll  /  Malena Rousseau, Ph.D.- Iowa West Foundation  /  David Drozd – UNO Center for Public Affairs Research

SPONSORS

Weitz Family Foundation  /  Bryan Health Foundation