Month: August 2023

In this story, you will learn:

Why learning videos are in high demandHow employees use the Henkel Learning HubHow employees learn digitally in groups

Digitalization is moving forward at a rapid pace, in our private lives as well as at work. Whether in administration, manufacturing, purchasing or sales, familiar processes and job profiles are changing everywhere, and new fields of activity are emerging that require different skills. This makes it even more important to train employees quickly and efficiently – and to do so continuously throughout their entire working lives, in other words: lifelong learning. That’s why more and more companies are turning to digital learning on PCs or tablets, on online platforms or in virtual classrooms.

Digital learning also plays a central role at Henkel. The goal is to make employees fit for the challenges of the future. In the process, employees are learning in an increasingly self-determined manner, often independent of time and place. Here you can read about the trends driving digital learning and the opportunities offered by this form of training and development.

1. Microlearning or learning in bite-sized chunks of information

The name says it all: microlearning stands for learning in small units. Mostly in the form of short videos, infographics, or a quiz. Between three and 15 minutes long, tailored to the individual needs of the employees. A form of training and development that is becoming increasingly popular. And for good reason. Microlearning saves time and money. It is not always necessary to fully understand a topic. Sometimes it is enough to pick out individual aspects. In addition, learners can decide for themselves when and where they watch a video, for example. Microlearning is therefore very flexible. And it offers a wide range of different content – from job-related topics to language courses to health issues and much more.

Henkel also relies on this form of knowledge transfer. In the “In a nutshell” video series, experts from a wide range of areas discuss topics related to everyday working life. The topic of “e-charging stations at the site” is addressed, as are interesting facts about “idea management” and “Girls’ Day”. In total, more than 35 of these one-and-a-half-minute videos are already online. Henkel is thus in line with the trend. According to a Cisco study, 82 percent of all online content was already in video format by the end of 2022. They are in such demand because people react particularly strongly to audiovisual stimuli. They attract more attention, the content is retained longer, and they are easier to consume.

2. Individual learning journeys on digital platforms

The direction has long been set: Employees are learning more and more independently and self-determined. This applies not only to the content, but also to the formats, the goals, and whether they learn alone or in groups. Digital learning platforms form the basis for this. Like the Henkel Learning Hub, which the company introduced in 2019. This platform offers employees worldwide access to more than 4,000 learning modules. Modules that focus on promoting digital skills, digital transformation, agile working and simplifying work processes are particularly popular. In terms of training, the topics are digital marketing, feedback culture, remote leadership, and remote sales.

Employees decide where and when they want to learn. In addition to e-learnings, podcasts and videos, the Henkel Learning Hub also includes learning formats in which groups come together virtually, exchange ideas and work together on topics. The new learning is characterized by the fact that the selection and combination of learning formats is personality-oriented and situationally adapted to the requirements of the learners. The goal is to establish learning as an important part of the daily work culture. After all, independent employees who critically question knowledge and make it individually useful for themselves will not only write personal success stories but will also have a significant impact on the success of the company.

3. Learning together with the help of social collaboration tools

Global competition is getting tougher and tougher, and the pace of technological change is accelerating. Companies must adapt to this and simplify their processes. The goal: to become faster and more agile. One requirement for this is to break down the boundaries between individual business units and functions and do away with thinking in silos. Social learning can make an important contribution to this. This means nothing other than bringing people together to learn and create ideas in groups. Employees use social collaboration tools such as social media networks, but also wikis, apps, blogs and video platforms. These tools support exchange and collaboration and promote the learning process. Often in cross-location and cross-country teams that may not even live in the same time zone.

But it’s not just learners who are in a new, more self-determined role. This also applies to the experts in Human Resources, especially in Global Learning & Development. In the future, they will take on a more supportive role: as learning process facilitators, learning community managers or learning coaches. They will also create learning spaces for co-creation, i.e., for interdisciplinary collaboration within the company, and for self-reflection.

August 17, 2023 /3BL/ – From inventing healable composites to reduce waste, to supporting agricultural yields from the soil to the pollinators, to the creation of sustainable and safe pigments that color our world, the 2023 Ray of Hope Prize® finalists offer inspiring solutions through their use of biomimicry (also referred to as nature-inspired or bioinspired design). Selected from hundreds of impressive submissions from companies around the world, the Biomimicry Institute is proud to announce the top 10 finalists selected to participate in this transformational program designed to help startups cross a critical threshold in scaling their sustainable solutions. The 10-week virtual accelerator program culminates in the chance to receive the $100,000 grand prize and additional equity-free funding.

“Every year I am blown away by the diversity of sectors, individuals and countries represented in the top 10 finalists of the Ray of Hope Prize,” said Dr. Sarah McInerney, Program Manager at the Institute. “This year’s cohort represents eight different countries, has an even split of female to male representation on their founding teams and are all working in different sectors. It is this type of diversity of action and thought that we need to tackle our current climate challenges to realize a more sustainable and biodiverse future.”

The 10 participating companies include:

ACatechol, Inc. United States
ACatechol develops surface-coating technologies inspired by marine sessile organisms, such as mussels, for biomedical applications and to prevent hospital-acquired infections.

Anodyne Chemistries Canada
Anodyne Chemistries uses nature’s catalysts, enzymes, to solve the chemical industry’s addiction to fossil fuels, replacing high temperature petrochemistry with a sustainable bioelectric process.

BloomX Israel
BloomX’s technology couples predictive algorithms with advanced, crop-specific robotic tools replicating the way pollination is done in nature to sustainably increase crop yield and quality, while lowering the environmental footprint.

Cellugy Spain
Cellugy is unleashing the potential of bio-fabricated cellulose to create consumer goods that enable a healthy planet, challenging the need for petrochemicals in our everyday products.

CompPair Technologies Switzerland
CompPair builds healable and sustainable composite materials to extend the lifetime of products while reducing waste.

United States
Coral Vita grows climate change resilient coral up to 50x faster via a natural process known as micro-fragmentation, while deploying a commercial model to restore dying reefs at scale.

Ivu Biologics Inc United States
Ivu Biologics has developed a nature-inspired solution that protects most microbes from drying out and dying, enabling their expanded use as a seed treatment to lower water, fertilization, and pesticide usage.

Nyoka Design Corp Canada
Nyoka’s breakthrough bioluminescent-mimicking technology generates stable, safe, sustainable light for over 48 hours and is positioned to replace millions of tons of single-use plastic and carcinogenic waste from the chemiluminescence industry.

Sparxell United Kingdom
Sparxell creates the next generation of colors and effects with vibrant, metal-like pigments, all from plant-based cellulose.

Vitiport Slovakia
Vitiport has developed a globally unique type of marking pheromones that prevent pests from laying eggs on crops, without using toxins, and bringing to life a new market category in crop protection.

The Ray of Hope Prize participants will now begin the 10-week virtual program and will be delivering their pitches for the $100,000 top prize to an expert judging panel in November. During this program, the Institute will help these startups scale more quickly in order to compete in multi-billion dollar, extractive industries; avoid the common push to produce products cheaply, leading to further (unintentional) harm (such as the use of toxic chemicals); and help them to easily communicate their science and application of biomimicry. The program includes an immersive retreat in the awe inspiring Yosemite National Park for participants to reconnect with the natural world and form bonds with their fellow bioinspired innovators.

“We are thrilled to be supporting Biomimicry through the Ray of Hope Prize, and it is truly inspiring to see this latest cohort of innovators and changemakers. Their dedication to creating and scaling nature-inspired solutions aligns perfectly with our Foundation’s mission, and we are excited to see their impactful solutions contribute to addressing today’s most pressing environmental challenges.” Christoph Hohmann, Head of the Bentley Environmental Foundation.

“This year’s Ray of Hope Prize finalists give me hope for a more vibrant, sustainable, biodiverse world,” said Jared Yarnall-Shane, Director of Innovation at the Institute. “We look forward to supporting these brilliant entrepreneurs and scientists so that they will thrive long into the future.”

Previous Ray of Hope Prize finalists include breakthrough innovators such as GreenPod Labs, Spintex Engineering, ECOncrete, Biohm, Werewool, Spotless Materials, Impossible Materials and many more. These companies have gone on to raise millions more in seed funding and have made inspiring impacts to the industries they’ve designed solutions for.

For more information about the Ray of Hope Prize and how to support the Institute’s nature-inspired design innovation initiative, visit www.biomimicry.org/rayofhopeprize.

About the Biomimicry Institute

The Biomimicry Institute is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 2006 that empowers people to seek nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet. To advance the solution process, the Institute offers AskNature.org, a free online tool that contains strategies found in nature and examples of ways they are used in design. It also hosts a Youth Design Challenge to support project-based education; a Biomimicry Launchpad startup accelerator program; and the Ray of Hope Prize® for early-stage biomimetic companies to bring solutions to market. The Institute’s collaborative initiative, Design for Decomposition, pilots technologies that convert discarded clothes and textiles into biocompatible raw materials. The Ray of Hope Prize is made possible due to the support of our founding partner the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and our partners at the Bentley Environmental Foundation, and L’Oréal. For more information, visit biomimicry.org.

Media Contact
Marc Cappelletti, Director of Marketing and Outreach
marc.cappelletti@biomimicry.org
415-800-1361

The Clorox Company Foundation is continuing its longstanding tradition of promoting well-being and inclusivity within communities, awarding 27 grants to organizations focusing on literacy, racial justice, STEM education and youth development.

Our partnership with these organizations is a collaboration that brings together their expertise with the needs of our communities. Each grantee plays a pivotal role in effecting positive change and cultivating brighter prospects for the people they serve.

While financial backing is crucial, we’re also determined to forge deeper connections with these partners. To that end, our social impact team will collaborate closely with these organizations to uncover additional ways we can help them achieve their goals. This could involve volunteering and other forms of assistance.

Central to our foundation’s philanthropic mission is a core theme of health security. This encompasses initiatives aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for marginalized individuals and communities. The support we provide is designed to enhance both their physical and mental well-being, fostering growth and prosperity. This commitment not only is consistent with the aspirations of our grant recipients but it also aligns with our company purpose to champion people to be well and thrive every single day.

The following organizations were recipients of grants in our second round of funding in fiscal year 2023:

Education

Chabot Space & Science Center is a Bay Area institution that inspires and educates students of all ages about planet earth and the universe. Through their Galaxy Explorer program Chabot provides high school students with an opportunity for science enrichment activities that includes hands-on community service work, and visits to local tech companies and research centers as well as state and national parks. They also host a monthly speaker series featuring renowned scientists. 
 Reading Partners (SF Bay Area) is a local affiliate of the national organization. It has a shared mission to help children become lifelong readers by empowering communities to provide individualized instruction with measurable results. Founded in 1999, the group provides one-on-one tutoring to empower students to succeed in reading and in life by engaging community volunteers to offer personal attention to each student in their program. Reading Partners uses a mix of traditional and innovative ideology to deliver student-centered programming that delivers results to the young people at the 22 schools they serve. 
 Through a school-to-home book-sharing program Tandem, Partners in Early Learning‘s StoryCycle program aims to provide children and families with access to books in order to create more opportunities for book-sharing experiences in the home. The group has found that through those experiences, books become a foundation to teach language, literacy, math, social-emotional learning and diversity. Central to Tandem’s approach is promoting books that make room for everyone and intentionally reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the communities it serves, offering books in 21 languages, a particular emphasis on books written and illustrated by BIPOC authors and artists, and diverse-affirming representations of children and families.

Racial Justice

The mission of 100 Black Men of Atlanta is to improve quality of life by supporting and enhancing educational and economic opportunities particularly for African-American youth in the Atlanta community. The members of this chapter deliver on the mission by following what they call “Four for the Future.” The four pillars are mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment. All programs are designed to ignite leadership within mentors, mentees and community leaders. 
 100 Black Men of Triangle East has been improving the lives of Black youth in North Carolina since 1997. It aspires to be a beacon of leadership by using its diverse talents to create an environment where the youth they serve can thrive. The men uplift the community by promoting achievement and wellness while addressing issues that disproportionately affect members of the Black community. 
 The goal of Asian Pacific Fund is to impact and uplift Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Its work improves the lives of the most vulnerable APIs, who are often overlooked. The fund focuses on important priorities, including seniors’ basic needs, access to education, unseen poverty, youth services, health and mental well-being, legal services, advocacy, and civic engagement. 
 Black Organizing Project is working for racial, social and economic justice through grassroots community organizing. It takes a multipronged approach to making a sustainable difference in the community. BOP strengthens the community by creating safe spaces for the Black community. Its focus is on bettering school systems, working to end the criminalization of Black and brown youth in schools, and developing a new generation of Black leadership that will build a community of trust, love and consciousness exemplified by multigenerational organizing. 
 Cool Girls is leadership in action. Its mission is to empower Atlanta girls by breaking the cycle of poverty, low self-esteem and teen pregnancy. Cool Girls also inspires girls to change their world. For more than 30 years, the group has been dedicated to the self-empowerment of at-risk girls in Atlanta by offering programs that provide academic support, life-skills development, physical fitness and nutrition programs, and exposure to STEM. 
 UnidosUS is the largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. Through its unique combination of research, advocacy, programs and a national network of nearly 300 community-based affiliate organizations, it’s able to challenge the social, economic and political barriers that affect Latinos in the United States. The group worksacross a range of key issues, including civil rights and racial equity. It advocates for high-quality education; policies to ensure everyone’s right to be healthy; housing and financial empowerment; an immigration system that values every person’s dignity; human rights; voter registration and civic engagement; and an environment that supports Latinos in their journey to thrive in the workforce and achieve economic prosperity. 
 Building equity in education through representative leadership in and around school, the approach of Urban Ed Academy is drastically affecting academic outcomes for Black students and societal outcomes for all students. The group’s vision is for every student to have at least one Black male teacher before sixth grade. Man the Bay is an innovative fellowship that covers professional and living expenses of Black male pre-service teachers, and provides critical training and support for teaching in the Bay Area. 
 West Oakland Health Center aims to help the Asian American Pacific Islander and Black communities in Oakland talk together, heal and become stronger. In Oakland, Black and AAPI communities have a standing history of allyship and building multiethnic community coalitions. The center is committed to ensuring the conversations and goodwill continues. The exchanges between both groups requires recognizing how the two communities are different to find shared agreements.

Youth Development

Alameda County Community Food Bank has a goal of ending child and student hunger. Childhood hunger is a solvable problem. Exposure to food insecurity and hunger is a social determinant of health and is linked to childhood mental health challenges, including anxiety and aggression. These issues can further limit children’s ability to focus in school and chase their dreams. ACCFB provides children and students with nutrition to develop, learn and thrive. It helps with school meal programs, stocks college pantries and supports other organizations, which means its unique strategies reach thousands of low-income children, teens and college students every day. When entire families are nourished, children can focus on playing, reading and learning — not on worrying where their next meal will come from. When kids are hungry, they don’t have the energy to focus, learn and grow. 
 Using the art of tie-making as a medium for teaching important life skills, All Tied Up creates a space of empowerment and creativity for youth in our community. Through its innovative workshops, mentorship programs and community engagement, this organization provides young people with a platform to learn, grow and discover their full potential. 
 Spanish Speaking Citizens’ Foundation was founded in 1965 by a group of visionaries who were committed to improving the community for Latinos. Through its youth program LIBRE, it serves 100 Oakland youth. Leading the Independence of our Neighborhood for the Empowerment of Race focuses on offering a supportive environment for learning, leadership, work skills, self-esteem and environmental awareness. It’s dedicated to empowering young people to achieve their goals, make responsible decisions, and become productive adults dedicated to creating social change for the advancement of the community. 
 The Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Center serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment in our community, working to cultivate the next generation of leaders who are dedicated to advancing civil rights and social justice. Through its transformative programs, including leadership training, historical education and community action projects, the Freedom Center equips young people with the knowledge, skills and courage to create meaningful change. 
 Museum of Children’s Art has enhanced the lives of nearly a million children with hands-on learning experiences through its school, community, youth leadership and development, and museum programming. MOCHA’s work has has had a transformative impact on children’s creative thinking, cognitive development and sense of belonging. 
 Offering a comprehensive range of programs that facilitate successful integration and foster self-sufficiency, Refugee & Immigrant Transitions equips newcomers with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their new environment and thrive. Through language classes, vocational training, legal services and cultural orientation, this organization’s mission is to empower newcomers to build successful lives and contribute to their communities. 
 Safe Passages works diligently to break down barriers and provide a range of services that address the complex needs of children, youth and families. Through its innovative programs, including educational support, health services, violence prevention and family engagement, Safe Passages ensures that individuals facing adversity have access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive. 
 Summer Search works to break the cycle of generational poverty through its comprehensive youth development programs. By providing a unique combination of mentoring, experiential learning and college guidance, the organization empowers young people to build the skills, resilience and mindset necessary to thrive academically, professionally and personally. 
 Through its dynamic programs and initiatives, The Center for ArtEsteem, at Attitudinal Healing Connection empowers individuals of all ages to harness their creativity, build self-esteem and channel their emotions into transformative reflections. By providing a safe and inclusive space for self-exploration, the organization enables participants to overcome challenges, heal from trauma and experience personal growth. 
 The Hidden Genius Project equips young Black men with the skills, mentorship and guidance needed to excel in the technology industry. Through intensive programs, workshops and mentorship relationships, the organization empowers participants to become future leaders in the tech field while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills. 
 Through one-on-one mentor relationships, group activities and skill-building workshops, The Mentoring Center helps young people build self-confidence, develop life skills and unlock their full potential. By fostering positive connections and providing a nurturing environment, the organization provides opportunities for youth to develop the tools they need to succeed academically and thrive in all aspects of their lives. 
 UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland stands out as the epitome of unparalleled quality in pediatric healthcare. Internationally renowned for its exceptional medical care, pioneering research, and resolute commitment to the well-being of children and families, this organization also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of STEM education. Through its significant contributions promoting health-related scientific exploration and fostering a culture of innovation, it inspires the next generation of young minds to pursue careers in STEM. 
 Urban Peace Movement is dedicated to promoting peace, justice and community empowerment. This organization works tirelessly to address issues related to violence, poverty and systemic inequality. Through grassroots organizing, advocacy and transformative programs, Urban Peace Movement empowers individuals to become agents of change within their communities, creating a ripple effect of positive transformation. 
 Youth ALIVE! is committed to reducing youth violence and promoting safety, healing and opportunity among young people, The organization provides alternatives to violence and equips these individuals with the tools to lead healthier, more constructive lives. By offering mentorship, trauma-informed support and educational opportunities, it empowers young people to break the cycle of violence. 
 YR Media is dedicated to empowering young people through media, storytelling, and skills development. This youth-driven organization provides a platform for young voices to be heard, recognized and celebrated. Through various media formats, including journalism, audio production and digital storytelling, it equips young individuals with essential skills while amplifying their perspectives on critical social issues. By fostering creativity, leadership and media literacy, the group empowers the next generation to engage in meaningful conversations and drive positive change in their communities.

To learn more about the foundation’s community involvement and grantmaking in Oakland and beyond, visit our website.

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, August 17, 2023 /3BL/ – T-Mobile is committed to Puerto Rico and the Un-carrier announced a donation of $50,000 to selected nonprofits in their territory. T-Mobile Puerto Rico employees had the opportunity to choose five local nonprofit organizations to receive $10,000 each; El Comedor de la Kennedy, Pediatric Hospital Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico, San Francisco de Asis Animal Shelter, and My Brother’s Workshop in USVI.

The Difference Maker Award is presented to the top-ranked area, as scored on the Un-carrier Leaderboard each quarter. The collective team can share immense pride knowing their performance earned them the top spot as the “best of the best” in overall business performance. And most important, they are awarded $50,000 to invest in their local communities!

“Our Puerto Rico team is unlike any other. For years, they have led the way in showcasing how localized partnerships can provide unmatched opportunities to grow our brand while providing best-in-class experiences. Puerto Rico has been the example to follow in so many ways! So, it’s no surprise they continue to deliver an outsized contribution to our business,” said Jon Freier, President, T-Mobile Consumer Group.

“T-Mobile Puerto Rico recognizes the hard work and commitment of these organizations and their volunteers. I am proud of the dedication our employees put in every day at their jobs and in their communities. We are building something truly amazing as we make meaningful investments in our network, our customers and our people and we won’t stop,” said Jorge Martel, VP and General Manager for T-Mobile Puerto Rico.

Learn about the organizations:

El Comedor de la Kennedy Organization aimed at eradicating food insecurity in our country. They do not receive federal or state grants and support their services through donations and volunteer support. The organization provides hot meals and small boxed food for children, elders and college students. They distribute 3.5 million pounds of food monthly. Its founder, Chef Iván Clemente, is well respected for his work and for his activism in favor of children. To learn more and donate go to: : www.elcomedordelakennedy.comFundación Hospital Pediátrico 
(Pediatric Hospital Foundation)As the only supra-tertiary pediatric hospital in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, Fundación Hospital Pediátrico cares for more than 8,500 children a year, 90% of whom come from families with limited resources. They will use the donation to support the emotional health program for extended-stay patients. For more information and to donate, visit www.fundacionhospitalpediatrico.orgBoys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico 
Provides after-school programs and services to children and youth between the ages of 6 to 18, by offering a safe and creative place where they develop as leaders who achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. With 11 Clubs located across the Island and in Vieques, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico are making their mark in helping Puerto Rican youth. To learn more and donate go to: www.bgcpr.org.Santuario de Animales San Francisco de Asís –Animal Rescue 
The Sanctuary is in Cabo Rojo and it is the first animal sanctuary in the west side of Puerto Rico. They are also one of four shelters on the island where euthanasia is not applied. To learn more and donate go to: www.sasfapr.org.My Brother’s Workshop (MBW) USVI – is a non-profit organization that was established in 2007 to bring hope, healing and purpose to at-risk youth in the USVI through a holistic approach of mentorship, education, counseling, on-the-job training and job placement. To learn more and donate go to: www.mybrothersworkshop.org

About T-Mobile US, Inc. 
T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com.

International Olympic Committee news

To mark Safe Sport Day on 8 August, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched two new online courses aimed at protecting the safety and well-being of athletes.

The move aligns with the IOC’s continued commitment to fostering a sporting environment that is respectful, equitable and free from all forms of harassment and abuse.

The two new courses – “Safeguarding Essentials for Young Athletes” and “Safeguarding Essentials for Athlete Allies” (aimed at the members of the athletes’ entourage) – are available on Athlete365 as part of the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 Readiness Programme for Young Athletes and the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 Readiness Programme for Athletes’ Entourage Members, respectively.

The courses are offered in 10 languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Arabic) and aim to educate both athletes and members of their entourage about the various forms of harassment and abuse, how to recognise them, ways to prevent these behaviours and how to respond to concerns.

“Safeguarding Essentials for Young Athletes” comprises an introduction to an athlete’s rights and responsibilities, enhanced by real-life scenarios that explore issues like emotional abuse, neglect, hazing, cyberbullying and sexual harassment. It aims to inform young athletes about the different forms of harassment and abuse, how anyone can be a perpetrator or victim, that unwanted or disrespectful behaviour does not need to be accepted, and how they can seek help if needed.

“Safeguarding Essentials for Athlete Allies” caters to the members of an athlete’s entourage, who can play a significant role in ensuring a safe sporting environment. The course focuses on the importance of safeguarding, how to identify signs of abuse, appropriate actions if entourage members witness or suspect abuse, and how to promote physical and mental well-being among athletes.

A commitment to the well-being of athletes

With the launch of these two new courses, the IOC reaffirms its commitment to athlete safety, promoting a culture of respect and equality in the sporting world that allows athletes to focus on achieving their sporting goals and dreams.

The IOC’s firm belief that harassment and abuse have no place in sport or society has led to the development of several programmes and initiatives to safeguard athletes. This includes Games-time frameworks that ensure safeguarding officers are available at all Olympic Games and mechanisms to prevent and respond to any concerns.

Other notable steps include the creation of the IOC Athlete Safeguarding Toolkit, which provides a step-by-step guide focused on helping sports organisations develop athlete-safeguarding policies and procedures, and the launch of the IOC Certificate: Safeguarding Officer in Sport – the first programme of its kind – which has already trained 165 students across 66 countries in its first two editions.

Most recently, the IOC announced the creation of a fund of USD 10 million per Olympiad to strengthen the prevention of and response to harassment and abuse in sport at local level.

These latest initiatives form part of the IOC’s commitment to protect the safety and well-being of athletes, as outlined in Olympic Agenda 2020+5, specifically Recommendation 5, which emphasises the need to “further strengthen safe sport/safeguarding across the Olympic Movement to protect the physical and mental well-being of athletes”.

Safe sport is also one of the five focus areas of the IOC’s Gender Equality and Inclusion Objectives for 2021-2024, while the IOC continues to promote the value of safe, accessible and sustainable sports organisations as part of its Olympism365 strategy.

Originally published by Walgreens Boots Alliance

By Sarah Cason, Walgreens Stories

Here’s a statistic to stop you in your tracks: 75 percent of all participants in the FDA’s 2020 clinical trials identified as white. Compare this to the fact that the highest prevalence rates of health disparities are observed in racial and ethnic minority groups.

Because of this, improving diversity in clinical trials can be—at its most literal—a matter of life and death. And it’s a mission that Walgreens has put at the forefront of its U.S. Healthcare strategy.

To spread the word about the importance of representation in clinical trials, Walgreens focused part of its sponsorship at this year’s Black Women’s Expo on educating the community about how participation from people of all races can move us closer to achieving more equitable health outcomes. Additionally, diverse Walgreens suppliers, beauty consultants and pharmacists were on hand to celebrate and empower the health of Black women.

Alethia Jackson, SVP, ESG and chief DEI officer for the U.S. at Walgreens Boots Alliance, cut the ribbon to kick off the 28th year of the expo.

Joining Jackson at the expo was Kendal Whitlock, head of digital optimization, clinical trials at WBA.

Whitlock, who holds a master’s degree in public health and has spent 20 years working in the pharmaceutical industry, wants people to understand that misgivings are understandable, but through clinical trial participation, you can be a catalyst for improving health in your community.

“There’s a foundational lack of knowledge of what clinical trials are among the public. Candidly, people think they’re guinea pigs,” says Whitlock. “On top of that, there is a history of 350 years of transgressions against people’s bodies—it’s not just Henrietta Lacks and it’s not just Tuskegee, but worldwide. So whether it’s a lack of access to research professionals, the inconvenience of traveling to clinical sites, or maybe physician populations are short on time—but whatever the reason, it leaves people with gaps in understanding the process.”

Whitlock joined Walgreens clinical trials team members Jim Carroll, head of real world evidence; Scott Chavers, senior director, epidemiology; Iyue Sung, director, clinical data sciences, and Mindy Bertram, director, patient recruitment and retention, as well as pharmacists and diverse suppliers in Walgreens booth at the expo to answer questions visitors had about clinical trials and explain how they could get involved.

Pharmacists at the expo provided more than 5,600 health services, including immunizations, blood pressure screenings, and health and medical consultations to attendees. Pharmacists Cornetta Levi and Latasha Guy helped to perform these services and took part in a mainstage presentation about achieving healthcare equity through local pharmacy access.

Whitlock joined Levi and Guy in the presentation to share critical data like the fact that only 5 percent of all people participate in clinical trials. In other words, the development of drugs and other therapies are based on a fraction of peoples’ physical reactions and genetics, leaving physicians less equipped to speak to the effect they may have on Black people.

Whitlock hopes attendees left the conference feeling more educated and empowered to learn more about their health and how that can lead to improved research in clinical trials.

“We hope people came away educated and empowered so that they can have agency in their health journey,” said Whitlock. “Patients need to understand the relevance because if they ask their provider if a medical product was developed with patients like them, and the provider can’t give a definitive yes or no, then the patient is less adherent to that medication. And then the outcomes of whatever they’re managing, say it’s something like hypertension, are less controlled. So, not having that evidence is a lose-lose. It’s not only a scientific imperative, but a moral imperative to diversify clinical trials so that the experience of managing illness is equitable.”

Click here to learn more about clinical trials with Walgreens from Kendal Whitlock.

AUSTIN, Texas, August 17, 2023 /3BL/ – Whole Kids Foundation, a nonprofit focused on children’s nutrition and wellness, announced today that 500 new garden grants will be awarded to schools and nonprofit organizations to start or expand edible learning spaces.

The $1.5 million investment will support more than 250,000 students by providing Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grants in 49 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, 10 Canadian provinces and one Canadian territory. The annual program provides $3,000 grants to K-12 schools to support educational gardens on school grounds, and nonprofit recipients supporting children’s programming are funded to support edible learning spaces in non-school environments such as community gardens, libraries, museums and after-school programs.

“We believe in the power of gardens as learning spaces,” said Chanta Williams, Interim Executive Director for Whole Kids Foundation and Whole Cities Foundation. “Every garden grant creates meaningful opportunities for kids to learn more about where their food comes from, gain a deeper understanding of the connection between what we eat and how we feel, and put all of that learning into action as they make daily choices for meals and snacks.”

Research reported by the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that involvement in a garden significantly increases a student’s nutrition knowledge, as well as their preference and willingness to try fruits and vegetables. In addition, a study from the University of Texas at Austin showed that students who participate in gardening, nutrition and cooking classes eat, on average, a half serving more vegetables per day than they do before.

Since the Garden Grant program launched in 2011, Whole Kids Foundation has awarded funding for more than 8,000 edible gardens, investing more than $18.5 million and benefiting more than 5.1 million students.

Whole Kids Foundation is able to reach thousands more kids and support hundreds of edible gardens thanks to the generous support of top donor partners such as Horizon Organic, KIND Snacks, Kvarøy Arctic, LaCroix, Rainier Fruit, and Stonyfield Organic. These and other brand sponsors have collectively contributed more than $1.1 million this year to help fund the Foundation’s many grant programs.

In partnership with The Bee Cause Project, Whole Kids Foundation is also accepting applications for their Bee Grant Program, starting on September 1, 2023. These grants allow for schools and nonprofit organizations to receive support for educational beehives and bee programming so students can observe bees up close and learn about the vital role pollinators play in the food system. 

For more information on the Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant program including eligibility and success stories, visit wholekidsfoundation.org. To discover grant partners in specific locations, visit the Grant Recipients Database. The next grant application window will open in February of 2024.

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About Whole Kids Foundation 
Whole Kids Foundation supports schools and inspires families to improve children’s nutrition and wellness. Founded by Whole Foods Market in 2011, the independent, nonprofit organization is based in Austin, Texas, and serves schools and organizations in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. For more information on the Foundation’s school programs including school gardens, salad bars, bee hives, and nutrition education for teachers, visit wholekidsfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Kids Foundation on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. 

Media Contact: 
Chanta Williams, Interim Executive Director
Whole Kids Foundation
Chanta.Williams@wholefoods.com
1.888.611.0081