Blog archive
May 2024
Rumor of Humor #2416
05/14/2024
Rumor of Humor #2417
05/14/2024
Rumor of Humor #2417
05/14/2024
Rumor of Humor #2418
05/14/2024
Springtime Visitors
05/07/2024
Freezing for a Good Cause – Credit, That Is
05/02/2024
No Discussion Meeting on May 3rd
05/02/2024
An Apparently Normal Person Author Presentation and Book-signing
05/01/2024
Flintridge Center: Pasadena Village’s Neighbor That Changes Lives
05/01/2024
Pasadena Celebrates Older Americans Month 2024
05/01/2024
The 2024 Pasadena Village Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
05/01/2024
Woman of the Year: Katy Townsend
05/01/2024
April 2024
Rumor of Humor #2410
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2411
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2412
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2413
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2414
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2415
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2416
04/28/2024
Stimulated by "Caste"
04/22/2024
Tulsa reparations, Religion and Politics
04/09/2024
March 2024
Trumps War with Black Women
03/31/2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging – Pasadena Village's Journey
By Bridget BrewsterPosted: 10/24/2023
Pasadena Village was invited to offer a presentation focused on DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging)* for more than 400 attendees (12 Pasadena Villagers attended) at the recent 2023 National Virtual Village Gathering. The theme this year was Vibrant Villages Empowering Communities. The conference offered more than 20 presentations with lively discussions that reflected how our Villages can have a positive influence in our communities.
The presentation, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging – The Business Case and Journey was given by Katie Brandon, Bruce Christensen and Sandra Moffett. Katie offered a framework for the presentation by referencing one of the Governor’s Master Plan for Aging’s objectives: Promote and adapt the village model of volunteerism and services, building on the strengths of California’s diverse communities.
Bruce Christensen shared his perspective as a leader in our LGBTQ+ group, The Village People. Growing up as a gay man has taught him the need for family, he said, emphasizing that finding or creating a “logical family” or “family of choice” became crucial for him. “I found the Village very welcoming and the LGBT community can also offer many resources, leadership and enthusiasm for the Village,” Bruce said. He also believes finding community through the Village is one way we can address the epidemic of loneliness.
Sandra Moffett has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Pasadena Village. She credits Katie Brandon for her determined outreach into diverse communities and welcoming “seniors from all walks of life.” “When Katie asked me to attend the California Village Movement DEIB training on behalf of the Pasadena Village … it was informative and reinforced what was already apparent in our Village,” Sandra said. “Family is not always close by, and you need the camaraderie of other people” to give the support we need as we age, so the Village community becomes critical, she said.
Katie pointed to the various policies, programs and presentations that actively address the Pasadena Village commitment to ensuring a welcoming environment for all. Katie stated, “Since we were founded over a dozen years ago, Pasadena Village has been committed to being welcoming. Our spirit of inclusivity is a critical part of our values statements and our 2022–25 Strategic Plan.”
As we face the demographics of the California aging population, it is critical for our Village to reach out, to listen and to remove barriers whenever possible. Pasadena Village is in the forefront of addressing the needs of all who are part of the aging community.
*Diversity refers to all aspects of human difference, social identities, and social group differences; Equity refers to fair and just practices and policies that ensure all community members can thrive; Inclusion refers to a community where all members are and feel respected;
Belonging refers to a feeling of identifying with the group through common practices and beliefs.