A NH for All: Connections, conversations, inspiration

We were so excited to welcome more than 500 people to community events across the state in September to celebrate “A New Hampshire for All.”

In five different rooms, in different regions in the state, new connections were made, new ideas and collaborations sparked, old connections rekindled. It was a joy to gather in person again!

We are grateful to everyone who joined us.

Foundation president and CEO Richard Ober’s remarks, “A New Hampshire for all takes all of New Hampshire,” can be viewed in the video, below.

We heard from nonprofit and community leaders doing great work to make New Hampshire a community where everyone can thrive. We heard from Aaron Almanza of Claremont on why Pride is about belonging and community, and Gene Martin of the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute about how his life experience informs his passion for making sure policymakers have accurate data on which to make decisions that affect all of our lives; we heard from Mindy Cambiar about a career devoted to delivering resources to folks who are homeless — and doing so with dignity and compassion. We heard from Airole Warden, who made her first-ever trip to Concord to testify at the Statehouse on behalf of young children and families of the North Country.

And more. All guest speakers’ remarks are available to read and review, including:

Keene State College, September 12: 
Mindy Cambiar, of Hundred Nights, in Keene: “Leading with respect, dignity and compassion for people experiencing homelessness.”

Phil Wyzik, of Monadnock Family Services: “Advancing mental health care to strengthen community.”

Governor’s Inn, September 14: 
Tanisha Johnson, of Community Action Partnership of Strafford County: “Address individual needs — and build systemic equity.”

John Burns, of SOS Recovery Community Organization: “Helping people in recovery thrive.”

Plymouth State University, September 19: 
Gene Martin, of the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute: “Data to make a difference.”

Airole Warden, of the Coös Coalition for Young Children and Families and the Coös County Directors’ Network: “Speaking up for children and families.”

Manchester Community College, September 26:
Yasamin Safarzadeh of Kimball Jenkins: “Thriving through mentorship and the arts.”

Arnold Mikolo of the Conservation Law Foundation: “Where equity and the environment converge.”

Montshire Museum of Science, September 27:
Sarah Jackson of Vital Communities: “Collaboration at the heart of mission.”

Aaron Almanza, of the LGBT National Help Center: “Pride builds community, belonging.”

Many thanks to all who joined us, and to all who provided feedback after the events. We are already planning for future events, and we look forward to seeing you again!