Community wellbeing doesn’t start with pamphlets, events, or dashboards. It starts with agency—with people believing they can take action for their own health. That belief is the foundation of NOWINCLUDED powered by Acclinate, and it drives my work every day.
When people feel supported from within, their participation in the world around them becomes stronger, more confident, and more sustainable. That belief guides how my team and I approach community engagement every day. It shapes how we listen, prepare, and show up for the people we serve.
Listening First, Acting Second
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in community work is that real support begins with listening. Engagement only works when it reflects real needs, not assumed ones.
At a recent health event, I watched this in action. People gathered around our wellness materials, asking for extra copies to share with friends or family. That moment spoke volumes. When information feels accessible and culturally relevant, people don’t hoard it—they spread it.
Again and again, people asked the same thing: “Who are you, and what do you do?” And they didn’t pose this question out of hesitation, but out of curiosity and openness. It reminded me that awareness and education are part of wellbeing. People want to understand the why before they decide on the what.
Support doesn’t always require something big. Sometimes it’s a conversation, a familiar face, or a simple resource that sparks discussion at home. At many of our events, we also capture community health stories on video. Those stories help normalize taking action for better health. They turn ideas into lived experiences—and that’s how belonging takes root.
Preparation Is a Form of Care
Preparation is another expression of care. When our materials are aligned, our language is clear, and our team is ready to answer questions honestly, we show people that their time matters.
I often think about this concept when I’m planning an event or building a process. Preparation is as much about logistics as it is about respect. It signals that we take people’s curiosity seriously. It reinforces that trust should never be assumed, but earned.
A Growth Mindset Builds Momentum
Our work demands a growth mindset—not the poster kind, but the operational kind. Every interaction gives us data. Every event teaches us something. When something doesn’t land, we adjust and move forward without ego.
This mindset shapes how we scale and collaborate. When our internal teams share knowledge, refine materials, and align on language, we create consistent and enjoyable experiences for the people we serve. Collaboration reduces friction. It keeps us clear about who we are, what we offer, and why it matters. When our internal machine runs smoothly, our community engagement flows naturally.
No One Is Coming to Save Us
On a recent episode of Unfiltered by NOWINCLUDED, our co-founder Del Smith said something that stuck with me: “No one is coming to save us.”
Let’s be clear: that message isn’t hopeless—it’s clarifying:
- If we wait for institutions to fix health inequities, we will wait forever.
- If we feel called to build something bigger than ourselves, we must start now.
- If we want systemic change, we can’t outsource urgency.
Del didn’t leave academia for comfort. He left because someone had to build the infrastructure our communities have lacked for generations. It’s like realizing you’re hungry—you can sit there, stomach growling, or you can get up and cook. And if you cook enough, others can eat too. That’s what empowerment looks like to me.
Why Structure Matters
As Director of Community Operations, most of my work happens behind the scenes. I build systems, workflows, and repeatable processes that make all these moments possible. Every SOP, training, and handoff strengthens our organization. It turns passion into process and effort into measurable outcomes.
When structure is cared for, impact becomes sustainable.
Watching Wellbeing Turn Into Action
What keeps me inspired is seeing internal wellbeing turn into external participation. When someone returns to an event with a friend, when a family member scans a QR code from a flyer, or when deeper questions come up the next time we meet—that’s growth. It may be slow, but it’s steady. And it sticks.
The Real Work Starts Within
Supporting wellbeing from the inside out means building environments where people feel safe and capable of taking control of their health. It means creating systems that make participation easier and more meaningful. It also means accepting that no one is coming to save us—and building anyway.
When people feel supported, they don’t just show up. They show out. And together, we grow. Ready to learn more about Acclinate’s approach to community growth? Schedule a 1:1 with our team.
