Berkeley Media Studies Group

Advancing racial health equity requires more than narrative change alone. Organizations need the capacity to navigate complex policy environments and drive systems change. That’s why we're pleased to share this opportunity for public health and community-based organizations working to build healthier, more equitable communities. The Network’s Racial Health Equity Legal and Policy Cohort (RHE Cohort) provides technical assistance, training, and peer learning to support that work. It helps participants navigate complex legal landscapes and build durable, equity-centered solutions that serve communities most impacted by structural racism.

There is no cost to apply or to participate if selected. Submission deadline: Fri., 6/26 at 5pm CT

Racial Health Equity Legal and Policy Cohort - Network for Public Health Law The Racial Health Equity Legal and Policy Cohort (RHE Cohort) is a biennial, national program that supports governments, public health departments, community-based organizations, and advocates in using law and policy as tools to advance racial health equity.

When Berkeley voters approved the nation's first tax on sugary drinks distributors in 2014, they dealt a serious blow to the beverage industry. Previously, the industry had defeated soda tax campaigns in at least 31 U.S. cities.

The ballot's success showed how much-needed revenue can build critical community health infrastructure. Tens of thousands of Berkeley school children now participate in gardening programs, more adults are receiving medical and dental care, and nearly $12 million dollars has gone to the Black, Latino, immigrant, and lower-income neighborhoods most targeted by soda companies. In this op-ed for CalMatters, Xavier Morales, executive director of The Praxis Project , argues that Berkeley can be a model for other cities looking to support health.

Read the full op-ed here: https://vist.ly/56ms8

To learn more about what made Berkeley's soda tax campaign successful, check out BMSG's analysis of campaign materials, related news, and social media: https://vist.ly/56ms3

Opinion | Berkeley's soda tax success story deserves wider attention across California After Berkeley voters first passed a soda tax in 2014, the city has invested millions of dollars into impactful health programs.

BMSG is excited to celebrate the leadership of two new co-directors, Pamela Mejia and Katherine Schaff. Their combined experience bridges research and practice, pairing deep expertise in media narratives and communication strategy with decades of experience advancing equity through institutional and narrative change. The dynamic duo are stepping into their co-director roles while Lori stays on as founder and continues to share her experience from leading the organization for 33 years.

“This transition has been in the works for some time,” Dorfman said. “It’s the logical next step for BMSG where we have been blessed with Pamela and Kathi’s talents, commitment, and deep understanding of how to build narrative power for public health and social justice. Seeing how they have grown into their roles these last few years makes me beam.”

“One of the things that’s made my 16 years at BMSG so meaningful is how central partnerships, trust, and community are to our approach — and that’s not changing during this transition,” Mejia said. “Kathi and I are so excited that we get to work together to live out those values and keep BMSG’s work moving forward to support communities as they resist authoritarianism, stand up for community health and justice, and build narrative power.”

“One thing I’ve learned from working with Lori is there is always a step forward we can collectively take, even in challenging times,” added Schaff. “We don’t always know it from the news cycle, but communities across the country are building more power every day. It’s an honor to work with Pam, BMSG staff, and partners to help these communities raise their voices and take an even stronger stand for equity and health.”

Read more from Lori, Pam, and Kathi here: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Looking-back-and-leaning-forward--News-about-BMSG-s-next-chapter.html?soid=1114978407061&aid=GjhEWpvqKMc