Against the odds and amidst inequalities, Fredrick Newell, a pastor, social worker, and executive director of a nonprofit, is determined to create a thriving, equitable community in Iowa City by advocating for father rights, providing access to arts, and promoting wellness.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Appreciate the role of health equity in shaping education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
• Understand the importance of advocating for fathers' rights and providing support to families during crises.
• Recognize the impact of the pandemic on mental health and food security, and discover ways to address these issues.
• Get involved in Dream City's initiatives to foster community growth and development.
• Connect the university-campus environment with the local community for mutually beneficial progress.

My special guest is Fredrick Newell

Fredrick Newell, a dedicated community leader and advocate in My City, is the Executive Director of the local nonprofit My City, Inclusion and Outreach Coordinator at My City Community School District, and a pastor at The Purpose Place. With a strong foundation in social work, Fredrick focuses on bridging gaps, creating opportunities, and fostering equity within the community. His passion for change is evident in his work, particularly in promoting fatherhood advocacy and developing programs to support the holistic growth of young people. Fredrick's unique perspective and experience make him an ideal guest for a discussion on bridging university-campus and local community for shared growth.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit My City's website to learn more about its programs and initiatives.
• Volunteer with My City, whether through tutoring, mentoring, or providing hot meals.
• Attend My City's events to connect with the community and learn more about their work.
• Contribute financially to My City to support their programs and outreach efforts.
• Share information about My City with friends, family, and colleagues to raise awareness about their work.
• Attend The Healthy Project conference on April 28, 2023, to engage in discussions around community connections and health equity.
• Collaborate with The Healthy Project community to share resources and promote diversity.
• Work towards bridging the gap between the university and local communities for a more unified and resourceful environment.

Equity vs. Equality: Understanding the Difference and Its Importance
The distinction between equity and equality is crucial in fostering a socially just and inclusive environment. Equity refers to the practice of ensuring individuals receive what they need to achieve their full potential, accounting for their specific circumstances and background. In contrast, equality treats everyone the same regardless of individual needs, which can lead to disparities and a lack of fairness. Emphasizing equity over equality can create a more coherent sense of community where everyone can prosper together, breaking down barriers and fostering connections. During the podcast, Fredrick Newell outlined the importance of looking at the world through the lens of equity. By providing everyone with the necessary resources and opportunities in areas such as education, healthcare, and employment, we can create a fair and just society that benefits everyone. He encourages listeners to continue the conversation around equity and equality, highlighting how promoting equitable systems can ultimately lead to tangible, positive changes in our communities.

About the host: Olivia Ruby is a student at the University of Iowa studying Health Promotion. Olivia is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.