RED (Rhythm, Exercise, Dance) Fitness: Harnessing Creativity and Building Meaningful Partnerships through the Needs Assessment

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Date

2019-04

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Ohio State University. Office of Outreach and Engagement

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Abstract

Dr. Ruggiero draws on her experience with the needs assessment for RED (Rhythm, Exercise, Dance) fitness to ignite us to think about how we might harness the creative potential of community partnerships. In collaboration with the YMCA, RED fitness is a holistic and cross-cultural health and wellness program and experience that encompasses mindfulness, aerobic and anaerobic exercise, dance, and education to better integrate the mind and body and the individual and collective. Open to all, it specifically engages the Latino and other local immigrant populations in an effort to improve social conditions in targeting individual health and wellness goals, fostering cross-cultural exchange, and increasing positive visibility of immigrants in the community. RED fitness, in its objectives, goals, and current form, reflects the diverse needs and interests of the stakeholders.

Description

The complexity of societal challenges are best solved through meaningful partnerships representing a diversity of ideas and talents. Built on the fundamental principles of trust, mutual respect, equity, and sustainability, these collaborations enhance impact by promoting innovation and relevance. In this presentation, Dr. Ruggiero will draw on her experience with the needs assessment process for the RED (Rhythm, Exercise, Dance) fitness project to ignite us to think about how we might harness the creative potential of community partnerships. In collaboration with the local YMCA, RED fitness is a holistic and cross-cultural health and wellness program and experience that encompasses mindfulness, aerobic and anaerobic exercise, dance, and education to better integrate the mind and body and the individual and collective. Though open to all, it specifically seeks to engage the Latino and other local immigrant populations in an effort to improve social conditions in targeting individual health and wellness goals, fostering cross-cultural exchange, and increasing positive visibility of immigrants in the community. RED fitness, in its objectives, goals, and current form, reflects the diverse needs and interests of the stakeholders. How to tap into and direct the diversity of ideas and talents in such an eclectic project as RED fitness and move from an initial idea to the needs assessment and final project is the primary focus of this session.
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Diana Ruggiero, associate professor, University of Memphis, dianaruggiero@gmail.com (Corresponding Author)

Keywords

awareness of partner needs, needs assessment in community partnerships, latino population, resilience in current social conditions

Citation

Engaged Scholars, v. 7 (2019).