💰IMSPARK: Equitable Horizons: Pay Transparency in the Pacific💰

💰Imagine... Equitable Horizons: Pay Transparency in the Pacific💰

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific workforce empowered by transparent pay practices, where fairness prevails, gender gaps narrow, and trust flourishes.

🔗 Link: 

Pay Transparency Report

📚 Source: 

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. (2024). Pay Transparency in Job Postings: Trends, Trade-offs, and Policy Design. https://www.minneapolisfed.org/article/2024/pay-transparency-in-job-postings-trends-trade-offs-and-policy-design

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

Pay transparency is a rising tide in communities reshaping the contours of employment. As local, regional, and national governments enact laws to illuminate pay practices, companies face both opportunities and challenges🌏. The impact is multifaceted:

Equity Unveiled🤝: Transparency dismantles discriminatory compensation policies, promoting fairness. It reveals hidden inequities, allowing corrective action. In the Pacific, where cultural diversity thrives, pay transparency could fosters inclusion and social justice.

Productivity Crossroads📊: Yet, tread carefully. Empirical studies hint at a paradox: while transparency removes inequities, it may lower overall compensation. Why? When pay becomes visible, employers hesitate to pay high wages, fearing renegotiations. Balancing fairness and productivity is the tightrope.

Attracting and Retaining Talent📢: Transparent companies attract high performers. But beware—transparency can skew employees’ focus, emphasizing pay over other aspects of performance. Striking the right balance ensures that Pacific organizations thrive.

 

 #PacificEquity, #workforcedevelopment, #FairPay, #Inclusion, #EmpoweringTalent, #SocialJustice, #PacificProsperity,

 

IMAGINE PACIFIC SUPPORTS: IHP INCLUSION FOR COFA RESIDENTS IN MAUI

IMAGINE PACIFIC SUPPORTS

Ref 3/12/23 Letter from Senator Hirono 

Imagine Pacific Supports recent initiative urging FEMA to include Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens in wildfire aid programs, as outlined in the letter from Sen. Hirono dated 3/12/24, is an example of exceptional Global Leadership. Sen. Mazie Hirono's advocacy for the provision of COFA citizens to access FEMA programs that were impacted by this tragedy, like the Individuals and Households Program (IHP), is not only crucial for recovery after the devastating Maui wildfires, but it provides an example to the Pacific community they the U.S. leads by example illustrating care and compassion for vulnerable communities. Many COFA citizens have served in the U.S. military and contributed to Hawaii's service industry yet disconnected from federal assistance. Extending aid to COFA citizens impacted by wildfires is a step towards fairness and equitable treatment in times of crisis. It's progress toward rectifying past injustices and ensuring Hawaii’s at-risk residents receive the support they need.

 

 

 

🏘️ IMSPARK: Community Wealth Building Models🏘️ (VIDEO)

🏘️ IMSPARK: Community Wealth-Building Models for Economic and Social Justice 🏘️

In this episode, we delve into the visionary world of community wealth-building models, imagining a society where control over assets and resources is in the hands of the people. 💡 It's a journey towards equitable and democratic wealth sharing.

🔗 [Insert Link to Your Video]

📚 Source: 

Theodos, B., Marx, R., & Nunna, T. (2023). *Community Wealth-Building Models*. Urban Institute.

💥 What’s the Big Deal?

This episode explores innovative models aiming to expand asset ownership and community wealth-building, particularly for those historically excluded. Learn about community land trusts, limited equity cooperatives, social enterprises, and community development financial institutions.

🤝 Models:

- **Community Land Trusts:** Understanding the concept and operation.

- **Limited Equity Cooperatives:** Exploring benefits and functionality.

- **Social Enterprises:** Highlighting their role in wealth-building.

- **Community Development Financial Institutions:** Describing functions and significance.

🚀 Examples: 

Discover successful projects employing these models in various contexts and sectors, illustrating their effectiveness in creating inclusive and sustainable economic development.

🌳 Conclusion: 

Join us as we summarize how these models contribute to more inclusive and sustainable economic development, empowering individuals and communities to shape their own 

🏘️IMSPARK: Community Wealth-Building Models for Economic and Social Justice 🏘️

 🏘️Imagine... Community Wealth-Building Models for Economic and Social Justice 🏘️

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A society where people and communities have more control and ownership over their assets and resources, and where wealth is shared equitably and democratically.

🔗 Link: 

Ref Here

📚 Source: 

Theodos, B., Marx, R., & Nunna, T. (2023). Community Wealth-Building Models. Urban Institute. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

This brief explores four innovative models that aim to expand asset ownership and community wealth building for individuals and institutions, especially those who have been historically excluded or marginalized by the mainstream economy. 🤝 models are community land trusts, limited equity cooperatives, social enterprises, and community development financial institutions. The brief describes how these models work, what benefits they offer, and what challenges they face. 🚀 brief also provides examples of successful projects that use these models in different contexts and sectors.🌳 The brief argues that these models can help create more inclusive and sustainable economic development, and empower people and communities to shape their own destiny.

#CommunityResilience,#capacitybuilding,#communityengagement,#CommunityEmpowerment,#SocialJustice,#SocialCapital,#EconomicDevelopment,#RICEWEBB,#IMSPARK,

🚨IMSPARK: How Child Labor Became a Problem in the US in 2023🚨

🚨Imagine... How Child Labor Became a Problem in the US in 2023🚨

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A future where every child has the right to education, health, and safety, and where child labor is abolished and prevented.

🔗 Link: 

Ref Here

📚 Source:

 Economic Policy Institute. (2023). Top 10 EPI reports and blog posts of 2023. 

💥 What's the Big Deal: 

Child labor is a violation of human rights and a threat to the well-being and development of children. 👶It deprives them of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity. It also harms the economy and society by perpetuating poverty, inequality, and social injustice.📉 In 2023, child labor re-emerged as a major problem in the US, as many states moved to weaken child labor laws and expose children to long hours, low wages, and hazardous conditions.🛑 This report reveals the alarming trend and its consequences, and calls for urgent action to protect the rights and interests of children. 

 

#childlabor #humanrights #education #poverty #inequality #socialjustice

🔍 IMSPARK: Empowering Vulnerable Communities with Data 🔍

 🔍 Imagine No Longer Being "Driven into Debt" 🔍

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Envision a future where equitable access to parking ticket data empowers vulnerable communities nationwide, breaking the cycle of debt caused by traffic violations.

🔗 Link:

https://www.propublica.org/article/the-ticket-trap-how-people-are-using-our-chicago-parking-ticket-data

📚 Source:

Coryne, H. (2019, November 29). The Ticket Trap: How People Are Using Our Chicago Parking Ticket Data in Their Research.

What's the Big Deal:

ProPublica's groundbreaking "DRIVEN INTO DEBT" series exposed the disproportionate impact of traffic enforcement systems on vulnerable communities nationwide. In pursuit of transparency, ProPublica made parking ticket data accessible, attracting over 1,300 users from diverse backgrounds. 🚗Students, professionals, and researchers delved into the data, unearthing valuable insights beyond initial analysis. Supported by institutions, in-depth research explored fines' consequences and revenue strategies. Despite challenges, data accessibility fueled advocacy for government reform. Empowered by information, individuals are driving change, and ProPublica's commitment to transparency continues to fuel impactful investigations and constructive dialogue. 🔍

#SocialJustice, #Data, #IMSPARK, #Advocacy

 

🌏IMSPARK: Imagine…. Region free of Waster from Chemical Weapons 🌏

 

🌏IMSPARK: Imagine…. Region free of Waster from Chemical Weapons 🌏

Imagined Endstate:

🕊️Imagine a future where the legacy of nuclear testing and the remnants of chemical weapons are fully addressed, bringing healing and hope to the people of the COFA (Compact of Free Association) nations.

Link:

🔗 https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2023-07-07/us-set-to-destroy-its-last-chemical-weapons-closing-a-deadly-chapter-dating-to-world-war-i

Source:

Demillo, A., Peipert, T., & Lovan, D. (2023, July 6). U.S. destroys last of its declared chemical weapons, closing a deadly chapter dating to World War I. U.S. News. 📚

💥What's the Big Deal:

The recent destruction of the United States declared chemical weapons stockpile represents a major milestone in global disarmament efforts and holds profound implications for regions, like the COFA nations, impacted by nuclear testing. 🌏 This significant step towards disarmament signifies a commitment to acknowledging the consequences of past actions and addressing the harm caused. It offers a glimmer of hope for the affected communities, fostering a path to healing and restoration. 🌿The U.S. sets a precedent for other countries to follow suit in dismantling weapons of mass destruction, promoting a safer and more peaceful world. This historic achievement begins with the journey towards justice and reconciliation for the COFA nations and other impacted areas. 🌟

#SocialJustice,#COFA,#PacificIslands,#Oceania,

#Public Health,#Sustainability,

📚IMSPARK: Introducing IMOA - Imagine Pacific Original Article 📚

 

📚IMSPARK: Introducing IMOA - Imagine Pacific Original Article 📚

💡Imagined Endstate:

Imagine a platform for published content creation. Welcome to IMOA, where creativity meets authenticity in the Pacific's vibrant creative community! IMOA, is a new product for the Imagine Pacific Pulse, offers a venue to publish original narratives. 🌱 From thought-provoking real-world issues to captivating fictional tales, IMOA is an open platform for authors eager to share their unique perspectives.

💼 Standards of Conduct:

With a commitment to upholding standards, IMOA ensures every article is free from plagiarism, exploitation, or threatening language. Each piece undergoes a thorough review by Imagine Pacific, ensuring excellence and professionalism.

💥What's the Big Deal:

📚 IMOA - Imagine Pacific Original Article provides an avenue to celebrate creativity and authenticity in the Pacific. This unique collection of narratives opens the doors to diverse topics and genuine storytelling. Different from our IMEA (Imagine Pacific Envisioned Analysis), IMOA welcomes a wide range of content, from thought-provoking real-world issues to captivating fictional tales.

🌊IMOA creates an inclusive platform for authors to share their unique perspectives, contributing to a rich tapestry of narratives that reflect the essence of the Pacific. Through IMOA, readers can immerse themselves in engaging and authentic narratives, showcasing the power of imagination.

💪 This initiative fosters a community of talented authors and genuine storytelling enthusiasts, celebrating Pacific cultures, traditions, and experiences.

In the spirit of the ingenuity of Pacific Islanders, IMOA attempts to further Imagine Pacific's commitment to nurturing a vibrant Pacific Island community where authentic voices thrive, contributing to the literary landscape. 📚

IMOA: That’s Fine for Waipahu: Gentrifications rears its ugly head

 Imagine Pacific Original Article (IMOA)

Title: That’s Fine for Waipahu: Gentrifications rears its ugly head

By James E. Faumuina

7/19/2023

The decision to close two major grocery stores in Waipahu town conveniently in front of two rail stations may have been made by the Honolulu City Council with a sense of indifference[1]. Maybe they believed the community would not complain, given their prior endurance of the rail construction and acceptance of issues like exposure to Heptachlor from the plantation. The closure of the remaining affordable sources of food in the town feels like yet another blow to a community raised on the belief that the company store would provide. It is almost as if they assumed the people of Waipahu were accustomed to such treatment.

Perhaps the council and developers believed that since Waipahu's poverty rate hovers around 9.5%, dangerously close to the worst quadrant of poverty according to the US Census, any gesture resembling economic development would be appreciated by the community[2]. It may not be arrogance, but rather a well-intentioned attempt to offer a helping hand. However, this raises an important question: Is this gesture truly a hand extended in support, or is it the developers raising their palms in a stopping motion?

If we accept the notion that these changes are for the community's own good, then the lack of Section 8 housing, the homelessness around Hans L'orange Park, and the infamous stories about Pupu streets may all resurface with renewed vigor under the guise of community development. My concern is the promised growth and economic revival unfortunately will begin with literal sweeping changes being made starting with the current residents being replaced.

I am intimately familiar with the area. My family moved there in 1982, and we were among the first to settle in Village Park (then Herbert Horita) Homes. Waipahu holds formative memories for me, from attending Saint Joseph's church to shopping at the Old Safeway, and even working at Blockbusters. I eventually was hired by the Leeward YMCA, as its Executive Director during the renovation of the old Sugarmill. While others may claim deeper roots, anyone from Waipahu shares a common bond with its unique sense of place, whether it's shopping at the Old Arakawa's or having breakfast at Rocky's.

In "Poverty in America," Matthew Desmond asked: "Who really benefits?" It is true, in Waipahu, some people live in poverty. Unfortunately, society holds beliefs about those in poverty, assuming laziness or lack of motivation. We tend to believe that being poor is a choice, contrasting it with success as if it were easily attainable for everyone. However, the reality is that anyone can spiral into poverty due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, family deaths, accidents, lost businesses, missed paychecks, or even a DUI. No community is immune, but Waipahu has its share of challenges.

It takes sober eyes to recognize that "affordable" housing alone cannot be seen as a solution to ending poverty and perpetuating community development. There must be compensatory measures and community trade-offs in place, ensuring that when something is taken away, something of equal or greater value is given in return. The current messaging and proposed alternatives feel unbalanced. Unless you are among the "benefiting" group mentioned by Desmond, congratulations, I guess you are getting what you wanted.

The rail was offered to improve the quality of life for residents. However, it’s apparent we must be on guard against developments that create gentrification, with development at the expense of displacing residents or removing community assets without providing suitable replacements. If the council is genuinely committed to Waipahu’s development, they must prioritize and consider who will truly benefit from this proposal.

Key Words: #gentrification, #SocialJustice, #FoodSecurity, FoodDesert, #GenerationalPoverty,

---

[1] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/06/23/2-popular-grocery-stores-waipahu-preparing-close-their-doors/

2] https://www.hawaiihealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=240&periodId=9907&localeId=160463

 

🌍IMSPARK: Imagine Inclusive and Equitable CDFIs 🌍

 🌍IMSPARK: Imagine Inclusive and Equitable CDFIs 🌍

Imagined Endstate:               

                                                    Imagine a future where Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating inclusive finance that uplifts and empowers marginalized communities. 💼

Link:                                        

                                                            ·        CDFI Playbook: CDFI Playbook 🔗

                                                            ·        CDFI DEI Panel Slides: CDFI DEI Panel Slides 🔗

Source:

                                                            ·        Prosperity Now. (2023). CDFI Playbook. 📚

                                                            ·        Community Development Financial Institutions (2022). 

                                                        CDFI DEI Panel Slides. 📚

What's the Big Deal:

• 🏝️ Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are dedicated to serving and empowering marginalized communities, especially in areas of the Pacific that lack access to major financial institutions. These underserved communities often face significant barriers to accessing affordable financial products and services, hindering their economic growth and potential. 

• 🌊CDFIs can become instrumental in fostering positive social change in the Pacific. They can bridge the financial gaps by providing crucial financial resources such as affordable housing financing, small business loans, and community development investments. 

• 🏘️Through CDFIs' targeted approach and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, underserved Pacific communities can gain access to capital and financial education. This empowers them to participate actively in the economy, boost local businesses, and create sustainable livelihoods. CDFIs serve as a catalyst for change, transforming undercapitalized areas in the Pacific into thriving, prosperous, and inclusive communities. 💪 

#CDFI,#Inclusion,#SocialJustice,#WealthEquity,#GenerationalPoverty,#startupcapital,#BridgingTheGap

🌟IMEA: "Improving the Economic Outlook of Pacific Island Children." (Video)

 🌟Welcome to the Imagine Pacific YouTube Channel! 

In this video, we present the IMEA (Imagine Pacific Envisioned Analysis) titled "Improving the Economic Outlook of Pacific Island Children." Join us as we explore strategies to bridge the digital divide, introduce Baby Bonds, address economic disparities within the AAPI community, and work towards ending childhood poverty.

💡 Imagined Endstate: Envision a future where every Pacific Island child has access to economic opportunities, breaking the cycle of poverty and paving the way for long-term success and prosperity. 🔗 Links and Sources: Dive deeper into the topic with links to resources, including information on child economic well-being, the concept of Baby Bonds, economic disparities within the AANHPI community, and IMSPARK articles that provide detailed insights and analysis. 💥 Consider This: Explore the challenges faced by Pacific Island children, such as the high cost of childcare and preschool. Learn about initiatives like the Ready Keiki preschool program and the potential of Baby Bonds to promote wealth equity and economic mobility. 🌍 Impact on Pacific: Discover the far-reaching benefits of improving the economic outlook of Pacific Island children. Promote social justice, empower families, and create a stronger foundation for future generations. 📊 Call to Action: Participate in our QR Reader Survey to share your insights and experiences related to the economic well-being of Pacific Island children. Leave a comment, write a letter, and explore Imagine Pacific's YouTube Channel. Don't forget to like and subscribe to stay updated with our latest videos and join the conversation to drive positive change. 💭Conclusion🤝: The economic well-being of Pacific Island children holds the key to unlocking a prosperous future for the entire region. Together, let's invest in their future, ensure access to quality education and affordable childcare, and create opportunities for economic growth. Join us on this journey of empowering Pacific Island children and shaping a brighter tomorrow. #imaginepacific, #IMEA, #pacificislands, #socialjustice, #wealthequity, #babybonds, #AANHPI,

🌟 IMEA: Improving the Economic Outlook of Pacific Island Children 🌏

 🌟 IMEA: Improving the Economic Outlook of Pacific Island Children 🌏

This Imagine Pacific Envisioned Analysis focuses on improving the economic outlook of Pacific Island children by addressing the high cost of childcare and preschool, introducing the concept of Baby Bonds, recognizing economic disparities within the AAPI community, and working towards ending childhood poverty.

💭 Imagine... A Brighter Future for Pacific Island Children's Economic Well-being

🔹1️⃣ Imagined Endstate:

Imagine a future where Pacific Island children have improved economic opportunities, broke the cycle of poverty and paving the way for their long-term success and prosperity.

🔹2️⃣ Links:

·        Hawaii's ranking in child economic well-being

·        Learn more about Baby Bonds and their potential impact

·        Understanding economic disparities within the AAPI community

·        IMSPARK: Imagine Economic Disaggregation

·        IMSPARK: Imagine Ending Childhood Poverty     

·        IMSPARK: Imagine Baby Bonds

🔹3️⃣ Sources:

·        Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2023).

·        Prosperity Now. (n.d.). Baby Bonds.

·        Banerjee, A. (2022, June 7). Understanding economic disparities within the AAPI community.

·        Imagine Pacific Pulse. (2023, July 6). IMSPARK: Imagine Economic Disaggregation.

·        Imagine Pacific Pulse. (2023, June 29). IMSPARK Ending Childhood Poverty!

·        Imagine Pacific Pulse. (2023, June 28). IMSPARK: Baby Bonds.

·        Mishel, L., & Gould, E. (2021). Broad for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Population Don't Tell the Whole Economic Story. Economic Policy Institute.

🔹4️⃣ Consider This:

Pacific Island children face economic challenges that impact their well-being and future opportunities. The high cost of childcare and preschool in Hawaii has led to a decline in economic well-being, placing financial strain on families and limiting access to quality care. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Hawaii ranks 44th in the nation for child economic well-being. To address this issue, the Ready Keiki preschool initiative aims to provide affordable preschool options for all 3- and 4-year-olds, reducing the burden on families and promoting equal access to early education.

Additionally, the concept of Baby Bonds, as highlighted by Prosperity Now, offers a transformative approach to address wealth inequality and provide equal opportunities for all children. By providing each child with an initial endowment at birth, Baby Bonds aim to create a more equitable society, enable asset accumulation, and remove barriers that hinder economic mobility. This innovative idea has the potential to break the cycle of generational poverty, particularly in areas with high rates of child poverty like the Pacific region.

Understanding economic disparities within the Asian-American, Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is crucial for developing effective solutions. Banerjee's research highlights the importance of disaggregating data and recognizing regional variations to tailor policy solutions that bridge the economic gap and promote prosperity and inclusion. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the specific economic circumstances and needs of each AAPI subgroup, policymakers can develop targeted strategies that address their unique challenges and promote greater economic well-being.

Moreover, ending childhood poverty is a paramount goal. The Economic Policy Institute's study, conducted by Mishel and Gould, emphasizes the need to address child poverty within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) population. By ensuring access to basic needs, educational opportunities, and fair chances for every child to thrive, we can create a society that uplifts and supports the well-being of all children.

🌍 Impact on Pacific:

Improving the economic outlook of Pacific Island children has far-reaching benefits for the entire region. It promotes social justice, empowers families to thrive economically, and creates a stronger foundation for future generations. Affordable childcare and preschool options ensure that children have access to quality early education, setting them on a path to success. Implementing initiatives like Baby Bonds addresses wealth inequality and promotes asset accumulation, enabling children to break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve long-term financial stability. By addressing economic disparities within the AAPI community, we create a more inclusive society where all subgroups have equal opportunities for economic growth and well-being.

The economic well-being of Pacific Island children holds the key to unlocking the region's prosperous future. Their health, safety, and overall development are not only fundamental rights but also the building blocks of a thriving Pacific community. By ensuring equitable access to quality education, affordable child care, and opportunities for economic growth, we pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

The fate of the Pacific is intrinsically tied to the well-being of its children. They are the torchbearers of cultural heritage, the seeds of innovation, and the embodiment of resilience. Investing in their future is an investment in the future of the entire region. When we nurture their talents, provide them with the tools to succeed, and create an environment that fosters their growth, we sow the seeds of a prosperous Pacific.

📊 QR Reader Survey:

We invite readers to participate in our QR Reader Survey to share their insights and experiences related to the economic well-being of Pacific Island children. Your valuable input will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and help shape actionable solutions.

📢 Call to Action:

1.    Leave a Comment: Feel free to leave a comment on the Imagine Pacific Pulse blog to share your thoughts, ideas, and support for improving the economic outlook of Pacific Island children.

2.      Write a Letter: Consider writing a letter to your local newspaper, such as the Star Advertiser in Hawaii, expressing your concerns and raising awareness about the importance of addressing economic disparities and ensuring equal opportunities for children in the Pacific.

3.      Participate in the QR Survey: Your valuable insights and experiences are crucial in shaping our understanding of children's economic welfare in the Pacific. Please take a few minutes to answer the QR survey included in the IMEA. Your responses will contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges and potential solutions.

4.      Explore Imagine Pacific's YouTube Channel: Tune into the Imagine Pacific YouTube channel for more in-depth discussions, interviews, and videos on the issue of economic well-being for Pacific Island children. Gain further insights, learn about inspiring initiatives, and join the conversation to drive positive change

🤝 Conclusion:

Opportunity besieges the fortune of healthy, safe, and empowered children. Their potential knows no bounds, and it is our collective responsibility to nurture their dreams, unlock their potential, and remove any barriers that stand in their way. The Pacific's progress and resilience rest upon their shoulders.

The journey towards a prosperous Pacific begins with our children. Let us work hand in hand, across nations, cultures, and backgrounds, to provide them with the foundation they deserve. As we nurture their potential, we ensure the enduring success of the Pacific and leave a legacy of hope, resilience, and shared prosperity for generations to come. Together, let us forge a future where the destiny of the Pacific is interwoven with the dreams and aspirations of its children.

#BabyBonds,#BridgingTheGap,#BuildingAssets,#Economics,#EndChildhoodPoverty,#GenerationalPoverty,#IMEA,#PacificIslands,#SocialJustice,#WealthEquity,