October 2024
Listening and Partnership Journey: Gathering Native American Veteran Voices in Arizona
Several key partners of the Be Connected Initiative are working with the Arizona Coalition for Military Families (ACMF) including the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith, and Family (GOYFF), the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield AZ Health Choice, and the NARHBA Institute to embark on an innovative journey that transcends the conventional paradigms of community engagement. The initiative, known as the “Gathering of Voices,” began before the pandemic, but had to be postponed, as many in-person events were at that time. We restarted the events in 2023 with the Annual Statewide Tribal Veterans Symposium.
Each Gathering is designed for us to listen—a simple yet profound act of connection and understanding. We find that our time becomes very personal and we are honored by the experience.
“These listening circles are long overdue and I am thankful to be part of this collaborative effort and to have the honor of meeting our tribal veterans in their own tribal communities to listen and learn,” Holly Figueroa, Tribal Liaison, Blue Cross Blue Shield AZ Health Choice.
The Power of Listening
At its core, the purpose of the Gathering of Voices is clear and transformative: to listen. This approach is not about arriving with ready-made solutions or policies crafted from afar. Instead, it’s about creating a platform where the voices of Native American Veteran Communities are not only heard but are the sole focus. These events serve as a live canvas, where community members paint the picture of their experiences, needs, and aspirations.
The participants enter these gatherings with an open mind and no preconceived notions, ensuring that the process of listening itself becomes the conduit for trust, partnership, and progress toward the aspirations voiced by the community. This method respects the autonomy and wisdom of the communities and acknowledges what they experienced.
A Unique Approach to Community Engagement
At the heart of this approach is respect. As a coalition, we respect the value of the perspective of every participant in the Gathering of Voices.
Through this listening, we can come to a shared understanding of how each person and each community might benefit from connections to the broader landscape of resources available to support service members, veterans, and their family members. In some cases, these connections might otherwise be inaccessible. This information is not prescriptive; it is a resource that the communities can tap into as they meet their specific needs.
This collaborative mindset is crucial because it recognizes that the success of any community initiative cannot be dictated by external entities. It requires a deep, mutual understanding and a shared commitment to developing solutions that are tailored to the unique characteristics of that community.
Impact and Reflection
The impact of these listening tours extends beyond immediate project planning. They are an ongoing process of building trust and understanding, which are essential for any partnership aimed at fostering health, success, and thriving communities. In reflecting on the outcomes of these events, it becomes evident that respecting and valuing each voice is not just an ethical imperative but also the most effective way to engage in meaningful community development. Recognizing and embracing the unique aspects of the participants and the communities is what leads to successful, sustainable change.
Looking Ahead
As the ACMF continues this journey, the lessons learned from the Gathering of Voices events will undoubtedly influence broader strategies and approaches to community engagement. The commitment to listening, understanding, and partnering with communities sets a powerful precedent for others working in community support and development. The Gathering of Voices is a reminder that when we view each community member as vital and respect their capacity to define their paths, we lay the groundwork for genuine progress and lasting impact.
Warm regards,
Thomas Winkel
Director, Arizona Coalition for Military Families
Additional Reading:
- Article: 2023 Arizona Veteran Survey Results
- Video: We Connect
- Video: We’re on a Mission
- Website: We’re Here For You