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Gloria M. - Participant
ADS Evidence Based Programs
Gloria M. - Participant
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Speaker
Gloria Miller
00:00 Special gifts and talents trump formal education. 05:12 Prioritize health, heed doctors, manage diabetes diligently.
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Featured moments
Highlights
“This is your mama. I'm your mama. I'm your dad, okay? And you respect me as such.”
“People would tell me, Gloria, you don't need the full degree. You have all of that.”
“He always knows he's the higher power, the greater thinker, and we just need to step back and let him do his thing and do exactly what he tells us to do.”
“I recognized that I was sick under the emergency situation, not knowing how deathly sick that I really, truly was. But had I not recognized and had not a higher power spoke to me, I probably may not be here to have this conversation.”
“You're focused more on your children than you really do yourself. That's the first thing that you put first.”
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Full transcript
Great. My name is Gloria Miller. I am the chair for the wellness division of the department on Aging. What was I going to say? Department on aging. And I serve as a commissioner on the. On that committee.
Got it. Where you from?
Typically, you want to say where I'm from originally or where I'm from in terms of Milwaukee?
Originally?
Originally from Forest City, Arkansas. My parents came here when I was the age of five. I am now 72, approaching 73.
There you go.
Awesome.
Now, when you came to Milwaukee, where'd you move?
We lived off of 14th and center. And I will tell you, before we moved, yeah, we were 14th and center in that area. Then was St. Boniface church a and p grocery store. My parents, we lived in a flat. There were, I say, my parents did some baby stopping along the way to Milwaukee, so I was the only child born in Arkansas. Then we moved to St. Louis, of which there were five born in St.
Louis. And then we came to Milwaukee, which there were two more. So that doesn't make seven. Or did I add too many people? It might have been four. Born in St. Louis, and we've been here since the age of five. For me, the age of five. So this is home.
Very good.
Yeah.
How was growing up here?
Very, very much family focused. Very much community focused. I mean, if you did something wrong in your block, you could be sure your parents knew it before you got home from school that day because a neighborhood was going to tell it.
Why did we lose that? I won't ask you.
I think a lot of that is in reference to how your parents saw them in your life, because our parents, we knew to respect them as our parents and not that they were on the same level as us, because that was not given to us. This is your mama. I'm your mama. I'm your dad, okay? And you respect me as such. It doesn't mean that their ages were any different than some of the ages that we see our young people having children today. But it was a level of respect and understanding that came from their parents, which would have been our grandparents. And you really. You didn't play around with that.
You didn't play with that. And you gave great respect to the adults that lived in your community. You really, truly did. You didn't go past that. You knew that if you did something wrong, somebody was gonna tell it before you got home. That was for sure.
Absolutely. So what'd you do in your career?
Ooh, Lord. In my career, I have an associate degree in marketing management, which has taken me far. I did not get the opportunity to go on to get my completed degree. And I say that in all honesty, because God just gave me special gifts. And with those gifts of being in tune to people around me that I connect with, or, you know, if I have a question about something, I could call so and so, people would tell me, Gloria, you don't need the full degree. You have all of that. And it has never stopped me from not getting the job that I could use, the gifts and talents that I have.
Got it. So what was your favorite job that you got to work in all this?
Well, I would tell you it's tied. It's tied between, I served as executive director for African World Festival for seven years.
Okay?
That was about 20 something a little over 20 something years ago. And then my current position as special events director for St. Ann City center for Intergenerational Care. You know, it's like, God always guides you where you need to be. And so with what I do on my current job, I do entertainment on our band shell in the summer, not knowing that all of the skills and connections I had with african world festival through entertainment and the event planning process would all come together. So he always knows he's the higher power, the greater thinker, and we just need to step back and let him do his thing and do exactly what he tells us to do.
Absolutely. So at this stage of your life, how do you stay active? How do you manage your health? Cause I feel like when I talk to adults that are better than 55, their health is going to come up at least once.
Oh, yeah, it will. And I think the one thing is just paying attention to your body as much as you can. I was sharing earlier that I recognized that I was sick under the emergency situation, not knowing how deathly sick that I really, truly was. But had I not recognized and had not a higher power spoke to me, I probably may not be here to have this conversation. So what I do is I try to pay attention. And if the doctor tells me to do such, such and this, believe me, I don't like getting a whooping. So I follow those orders and do what I'm supposed to do. I am a diabetic, a type two diabetic.
Diabetes runs very rapidly in my family. All the way back generations, we believe. My dad, I can remember when we were kids, you know, they used to say, my dad would say, well, you know, if you get older and you start urinating a lot. He didn't say urinating. He said, peeing a lot. That means your sugar is in jeopardy. And we were like, sugar? What are you talking about? Sugar is what we like to eat. So I didn't really get diagnosed as a diabetic until maybe about 30, I would say a little bit about 30 years ago.
Not knowing that I had two brothers, one directly up under me and one of those kids that was born in St. Louis, that they were diabetics. They never shared that with me. And so when my determination came, I didn't know what to do, you know? And I was having conversation with the brother up under me, and he said, oh, girl, you know, that's easy. All you got to do is do this, do this and do that and follow whatever your doctor's orders are. And that's what I do.
You talked about the fact that you and your brothers didn't really have conversations around your health, right? Is that something that you feel like as a family, you all have improved on? Orlando, where do you think some of that silence comes from?
I think part of it comes from sometimes you're so overwhelmed with everything else going on in your life. And then if you're a parent or, you know, at one point in my life, I was married. You're focused more on your children than you really do yourself. That's the first thing that you put first. And I think part of that was that issue. I think for many of us, we really don't tune into who we are until we're at that crossroads of, oh, I'm really this sick, so what do I need to do? But it's important that whatever it is that you're told to do, that you do just that. Because if you don't, you may not be able to have that conversation later in life.
Absolutely. Now, I heard you just got back from Ghana.
I sure did.
Is it anything that you can relate to us that you felt like you learned or experienced when you were there?
I experienced many things. And I think one of the most important things to me was when you. In terms of people of color, there's every shade of brown, black that you can imagine. In the entire twelve days that I was there. I saw four white people in the areas that we went to museums and that kind of thing. Everybody else was a person of color. There was a great deal of respect given to you, especially as a senior. For me, and even with that, the things that I think people need to get out of their mind.
Ain't a whole bunch of natives running around half dress naked. Them folks come out and they sharp. Okay. They can show you where to shop, and they can show you how to shop. I think the second thing that I recognized was one of the first signs that I saw. And I would say, if you were looking at this wall, to imagine that. That being a billboard about that wide and standing about that tall, it was orange and it had black writing. And you know what it said? No guns allowed in Ghana.
That spoke highly to me of, no, you're not going to play no fun in games up in here. We will put you to jail if you produce a gun. And you are not a licensed person with either the police or as.
Military.
Yeah, military, definitely. So the respect, the beauty, everybody greets you, nobody looks down upon you. Those things will forever stay with me. And it's something that I wish we would get back to here. I want to share one other thing, and it's something that just came to me that I noticed that when we talk about being a diabetic and the foods that we know that we might. Could have a little bit of. But we can't have, like, three helpings of. Do you know that every breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there were three different rices that were served? There was also a potato.
You know, we say, well, we have the sweet potato, and we have the yam. A yam in Ghana is a white potato. It is not like we see a yam here. And I tasted it. It tastes like a potato. So I had to be very careful, because for me, rices are that white starch that would tend to make my blood sugar rise. I'd be very careful. If I went to the buffet area, of which somebody always served you, there would be the white rice.
There would be the jollof rice and the jollof rice. In Ghana, it's cooked a little bit longer, and the seasoning makes it darker. And then there would be a third rice, jollof, that might be mixed with vegetables or something. So sometimes I might take, like, a tablespoon, which could, you know, by the time I looked up, it might be a half a cup. You know, I rarely. We rarely had a dessert, but we did have, of course, wonderful fresh fruit. You know, to have a coconut fall from the tree in front of your face, that's empowering. But even with that, fresh fruits have sugar.
So I have to always, I try to behave myself. And if I know, if I do a little bit over something, I've got to either work it off to be able to make that sugar run out of my system before the day is.
Over with absolutely so you kind of touched on the importance of, like, community and being amongst people that you feel like you have relatability to.
Oh, God, yes.
So with the evidence based program work that we're doing with Milwaukee county, one of the things that we're really focused on is looking to be able to be more intentional around empowering individuals that identify as black or african american, to get more physically active, and to be able to become just increased participation overall, because we know that the health disparities when we think about, you know, our community, and also just isolation as a whole is greater because we have so many fragments within that family dynamic and community. So, first off, I want to know from your standpoint as the commissioner, what are your thoughts about the evidence based programs and how important do you feel like they are?
I think that they're extremely important. I think that one of the difficulties that I see challenging to the overall community is how do we get the information out into the community. You know, I've even mentioned, you know, I'm chair of the wellness committee. And so incorporating, as easy as you can, those types of focuses that could come into a church setting or a senior, senior, one of our senior center facilities would be great. I think the challenge is, many times we have a tendency to put stuff on paper. People is not going to see it. Most people don't. And, you know, if you put it up in a church setting, it's on a bulletin board.
And unless most people are looking for a job, which most seniors aren't on a bulletin board, they're going to walk right past it. I think that being able to tap into minister or whoever that connection would be in the church office with it and see, is there a way we could bring in a hands on activity into the church on a particular day, a Saturday or something like that, so people could really get a focus for seeing instead of reading. Most of them are not going to read that information. They're just not. And I think I've shared that at many of our wellness committee meetings.
So you talked to me about one of the programs that you participated in was around the diabetes program. Do you feel like you learned anything? And if so, in general, how did that experience impact you and how you manage your health?
Well, one of the things that I want you to be aware of is that that is a program piece that was done over the phone.
Okay.
And so I think, for me, that lacked eye connection.
Yeah.
And, you know, you can do a verbal kind of thing, but I also work. And so it wasn't always an opportunity for me to be able to engage in the program because something else would come up and if it's work related and I'm a volunteer as a commissioner in a wellness, and I'd have to sever that. Yeah, I don't think that in the beginning there were more than maybe four or five of us that were on the call. And I do know that the person that was the instructor of that tried very hard in trying to reengage me, but I just couldn't commit at certain times because of the fact that I might be calling to a meeting, that kind of thing. And a lot of this was right at the middle and the ending of that COVID pandemic area. And I, you know, I was called back into the office and so that would sever that. But I do know that my understanding when we go to meetings that people are still participating in it and that it's great. I think that when you do something that's more on a one to one, where you can see each other and verbalize it, it's more effective.
Got it. So one of the things I heard you say, because one of the things we've learned is like, the evidence based programs are normally like eight or twelve weeks. They require kind of a commitment on an ongoing basis. But I do think the in person community building is one of the powerful elements of it. However, trying to get people to sign up for something for a eight or twelve week commitment without knowing what they're getting into is difficult. And so I heard you talk about having like a pop up day where they can experience it and then see if they want to sign up is one of those tactics that we can maybe use to get more people involved. But I also wanted to know, so, like, what are other. How do you get your information? Like, how do you find out things? How do your friends find out things? What do you think are like one of those channels or areas that we can communicate more effectively within?
Well, certainly not mailing anything or putting anything in somebody's mailbox.
Okay.
Because the first thing people look at is, oh, this doesn't affect me. Not knowing that they might truly be a diabetic.
Right.
But it doesn't affect me. Cause I don't know that. And so it's gonna go in the garbage can. So to me, one of the thoughts would be, is to tune into, you know, if you're able to tune into something like interfaith or Mica, where, you know, there's a collaboration of churches that come together and maybe saying, you know, could we do a pop up on one of your meeting dates? Cause already you'll have an audience. You don't know who that may affect. That would be my thought. Or to even tune into a church, like, for instance, my church. My pastor is president of Micah.
And to be able to say, maybe on a Saturday, while the children are rehearsing, could we do something out in the open area that would bring together. This is going to be a pop up. The church would know the date to be able to give it to the congregation, and those people show up. You know, you may even have an opportunity of having someone there that could do diabetic testing. And because most people, 90 something percent of people are diabetics, they don't even know it. And then when you have things like heart attacks, heart issues, other things that pertain to your body that many people pass away from, it's related to being a diabetic.
So I know you're connected to your faith community, and it sounds like that's one of the bedrocks of where you get information for those individuals who are, like, in the house or isolated, what are some ways that you think we can connect with them?
You know, that's a challenging one, too. And I say that only because if you're sending stuff in the mail, nine times out of ten, they're not going to read it. They don't feel like they're connected with it. If there were teams that could maybe go into the home, that might be one way. In my mind, I'm just sitting here thinking about, pretty soon we'll have Juneteenth. Pretty soon we'll have all of the summer festivals coming up.
Do you go out to Juneteenth?
Sometimes, but if it's a work related day on Juneteenth, normally, if I've got activities to do, I'm not there. But if it's like a Saturday, that kind of thing, or if it's a day that I know I've got some time that I could take off, then, yeah, I'm there in the morning when they start to do the parade, because I get to see that. But I'm just thinking that wouldn't it be a wonderful opportunity at Juneteenth where they usually have the band area and that kind, to have a spot where you could get people to just engage in some kind of 15 minutes exercise, whether it's diabetic related or not? And, oh, by the way, while you're here, we could test you just to see if you've got any high sugar or low sugar? You don't never know what you might get, do you?
Would you ever see yourself going to, like, a better than 55 party? Like, if it was a party throne?
If it's old school music, yeah, I'm gonna show up.
All right.
You can't give me any of this other, younger music? Oh, no, most of it's not real. Yeah, most of it's rap, and that's fine. Cause that's poetry and music, but. Nah, honey, I need to hear some temptations and Gladys knight and everybody else.
Okay, well, I think with that, is there any kind of final message. If this recording reaches somebody at home who's maybe on the fence or hasn't been getting out and really been engaging, what message do you have to inspire them to take action around their health?
I would say you are important. And no matter what anybody else says, the most important thing in your life is you. And so if you're feeling like you're not feeling good, do something about it. And you can't do something about it. Googling it, you can't do something about it. Asking your brother or sister. You need to make an appointment to see a doctor that has a background that can give you some. Some identifications as to what they think might be bothering you, but you gotta take up you first.
Nobody else can do that but yourself.
Absolutely. Well, we really appreciate you coming out. We know you busy.
I try to stay busy.
Hey, look.
Busy means that I'm actively doing something, right. And if I sit on my butt, I ain't doing nothing that's not good for me to do.
Absolutely. Well, thank you so much again for coming.
You're welcome. Have a wonderful day.
You, too.
All right, bye.
Also generated
More from this recording
🔖 Titles
Gloria M. on Family, Faith, and Community Health in Aging
Navigating Aging and Wellness: Insights from Gloria Miller
Gloria Miller Discusses Health, Community, and Diabetic Challenges
From Arkansas to Milwaukee: Gloria Miller's Journey in Health Advocacy
Community, Family, and Health: Gloria Miller's Story
Aging with Purpose: Gloria Miller on Wellness and Community
Gloria Miller: Inspiring Health Awareness and Community Engagement
Exploring Health and Wellness with Commissioner Gloria Miller
Faith, Family, and Health: Gloria Miller's Life Lessons
Growing Up in Milwaukee: Health Insights from Gloria Miller
💬 Keywords
Gloria Miller, wellness division, Department on Aging, Milwaukee, Forest City Arkansas, St. Louis, Senior community, family-focused, community-focused, parental respect, diabetes, type 2 diabetes, African World Festival, St. Ann City center, Intergenerational Care, emergency health, health management, diabetic symptoms, diabetes management, health communication, wellness programs, physical activity, community engagement, evidence-based programs, senior isolation, faith community, Juneteenth, senior fitness, better than 55 party, old school music, health advocacy.
💡 Speaker bios
Gloria Miller grew up in a household where respect for parents and elders was deeply ingrained. Her upbringing was marked by clear boundaries and a strong sense of hierarchy, where she learned to view her parents not as equals but as authority figures deserving of reverence. This mindset was passed down from her grandparents to her parents and then to her, shaping her understanding of family dynamics. Unlike some modern families, where young parents may lack this level of established respect, Gloria's family maintained a firm structure that demanded and earned respect across generations. Her formative years were thus characterized by a strong familial respect and adherence to traditional values.
ℹ️ Introduction
Introduction:
Welcome to another insightful episode of ADS Evidence Based Programs. Today, we sit down with Gloria Miller, the dynamic chair of the Wellness Division of the Department on Aging and a dedicated commissioner. Hailing originally from Forest City, Arkansas, and now a long-time resident of Milwaukee, Gloria brings a wealth of experience from her vibrant career, including roles as Executive Director of African World Festival and Special Events Director for St. Ann City Center for Intergenerational Care.
In this episode, Gloria opens up about her journey, from navigating her health as a type 2 diabetic to staying active in her senior years. She reflects on the importance of community, respect, and the role of family in shaping one's life. Gloria also shares her recent eye-opening trip to Ghana, discussing the cultural differences and the impactful lessons she brought back home.
As we dive deeper, Gloria highlights the significance of evidence-based programs aimed at empowering the African American community in Milwaukee to stay active and healthy. She discusses the challenges of disseminating information and offers practical solutions, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions and community engagement.
Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, practical advice, and a touch of Gloria’s unwavering spirit and humor. Whether you’re looking for ways to manage your health or seeking motivation to stay active, this episode is brimming with valuable insights.
📚 Timestamped overview
00:00 Associate degree in marketing; successful career using special gifts and talents without a full degree.
05:12 Pay attention to your body and follow doctor's advice, especially with conditions like type 2 diabetes.
07:27 Overwhelmed with life's demands, people often prioritize others over themselves, realizing their needs only when health issues arise, emphasizing the importance of following medical advice.
12:43 Milwaukee's evidence-based program aims to empower Black/African American individuals to increase physical activity and participation, addressing health disparities and community isolation.
15:40 Difficulties in committing to a wellness program due to work obligations and meetings, especially during COVID-19, but recognizes the program's ongoing value and effectiveness in person.
20:14 Attend Juneteenth events if possible, and consider adding a health check and exercise session.
21:55 Prioritize your well-being by consulting a professional if needed.
📚 Timestamped overview
00:00 Special gifts and talents trump formal education.
05:12 Prioritize health, heed doctors, manage diabetes diligently.
07:27 Overwhelmed, neglecting self, prioritize others, act promptly.
12:43 Empowering Black individuals through evidence-based programs.
15:40 Couldn't fully commit to program due to work.
20:14 Attend Juneteenth events; consider health activities integration.
21:55 You are important; prioritize self-care and diagnosis.
❓ Questions
Sure, here are ten discussion questions based on the episode with Gloria Miller:
Community Focus: Gloria mentions the strong sense of community and family focus in her neighborhood growing up. How has the sense of community changed over time, and what factors do you think have contributed to this change?
Career Highlights: Gloria found fulfillment in her roles at the African World Festival and St. Ann City Center for Intergenerational Care. How do you think her diverse career experiences have shaped her approach to community service?
Health Management: Gloria emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body and following medical advice. How do you stay attentive to your health needs, and what strategies do you use to manage chronic conditions, if any?
Cultural Connections: Gloria's trip to Ghana highlighted the respect and community among people of color. How can we incorporate similar cultural respect and community-building practices in our local communities?
Faith and Health: Gloria sees her faith community as a vital source of information and support. How can faith-based organizations better support their members’ health and wellbeing?
Engaging Seniors: Discuss the challenges and potential solutions in engaging homebound or isolated seniors with health and wellness programs.
Information Dissemination: Gloria suggests that mailed information is often overlooked. What alternative methods can be used to effectively communicate health and wellness information to older adults?
Diabetes Management: Gloria participates in diabetic management programs and shares the importance of education and support for diabetics. What are some effective ways to educate communities about diabetes prevention and management?
Public Health Initiatives: What unique tactics and strategies, like Gloria’s suggestion of pop-up days, could be employed to increase participation in health programs in communities of color?
Community Events: How can community events like Juneteenth be leveraged to promote health awareness and screenings among attendees without detracting from the event’s primary purpose?
These questions are designed to facilitate deeper conversation about the themes and insights shared by Gloria Miller in the episode.
❇️ Key topics and bullets
Certainly! Here's a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in the transcript, with sub-topic bullets for each primary topic:
Introduction
Gloria Miller introducing herself
Her role as the chair for the wellness division of the department on Aging
Serving as a commissioner on the committee
Background Information
Gloria's origins from Forest City, Arkansas
Moving to Milwaukee at age five
Family background and childhood living situations
Growing up in Milwaukee
Career Highlights
Educational background in marketing management
Career journey and highlights
Executive Director for African World Festival
Special Events Director for St. Ann City Center for Intergenerational Care
Health and Wellness
Importance of health and wellness as one ages
Gloria’s personal health journey
Diabetes management
Family history with diabetes
Community and Family Dynamics
Importance of family and community
Influence of parental respect and discipline
Health conversations within the family
Experience in Ghana
Cultural observations
Diversity in skin tones
Hospitality and respect towards seniors
Fashion and modernity in Ghana
Observations around safety and gun laws
Dietary habits and managing diabetes while traveling
Evidence-Based Programs and Community Engagement
Importance of Evidence-Based Programs for health in Milwaukee County
Challenges in disseminating information to the community
Ideas for improving outreach and engagement
Personal experience with diabetes management program
Need for face-to-face interaction for program effectiveness
Outreach Strategies
Effective communication channels
Challenges with mail and printed materials
Leveraging church and community organizations
Pop-up events for engagement
Involvement in local festivals like Juneteenth
Outreach to isolated individuals
Recommendations and Inspiration
Encouraging individuals to prioritize their health
Seeking professional medical advice
Gloria’s final message of self-importance and taking proactive steps for health
Conclusion
Gloria's emphasis on staying active and busy
Closing remarks and appreciation for Gloria’s participation
This outline captures the primary topics and subtopics discussed in the transcript, providing a structured overview of the content.
🎬 Reel script
Hey everyone, it's [Your Name] here. Just wrapped an incredible session with Gloria Miller, the chair for the wellness division of Milwaukee’s Department on Aging. We dove deep into Gloria’s inspiring journey, her approach to managing health as a type 2 diabetic, and why community engagement is crucial. From her impactful career to her recent enlightening trip to Ghana, Gloria’s insights are a must-hear. If you’re passionate about health, wellness, and making a difference in your community, you won’t want to miss this episode. Tune in now to ADS Evidence Based Programs!
👩💻 LinkedIn post
Absolutely! Here's how you can draft a LinkedIn post based on the podcast episode featuring Gloria Miller:
🌟 Insightful Conversations on Health & Community from ADS Evidence Based Programs 🌟
In our latest episode of ADS Evidence Based Programs, we had the honor of speaking with Gloria Miller, Chair for the Wellness Division of the Department on Aging and a commissioner on the committee. Gloria shared her inspirational journey from Forest City, Arkansas to Milwaukee and offered invaluable insights on community, health, and wellness.
🎙️ Key Takeaways:
Community & Respect: Gloria emphasized the importance of close-knit community and respect for elders, which fostered a supportive environment during her upbringing. "If you did something wrong in your block, your parents knew it before you got home," she fondly recalled.
Health Vigilance & Management: As a Type 2 diabetic, Gloria discussed the significance of paying attention to one's body and following medical advice. She highlighted how family health history and community support play crucial roles in managing long-term health conditions.
Innovative Engagement: Gloria proposed innovative ideas for increasing participation in health programs, such as conducting pop-ups in community centers and using relatable activities to educate people about their health. She stressed the need for in-person interactions to make these programs more effective.
Listen to the full episode to gain more valuable insights from Gloria's experience and expertise. Let's continue to empower ourselves and our communities by prioritizing our health and well-being.
🌟 [Insert Link to the Podcast Episode] 🌟
#HealthAndWellness #CommunitySupport #EvidenceBasedPrograms #DiabetesAwareness #SeniorCare #PodcastEpisodes #ADSPrograms
🗞️ Newsletter
Subject: Empowering Health & Wellness: Meet Gloria Miller and Discover Our Latest Insights!
Dear Valued Listeners,
We hope this email finds you in good health and high spirits! We're excited to bring you the latest episode of the ADS Evidence Based Programs podcast, featuring an inspiring interview with Gloria Miller, the esteemed chair of the wellness division for the Department on Aging and a passionate advocate for senior wellness and community health.
🎙️ Episode Highlight: Gloria M. - Participant
In this enriching conversation, Gloria Miller shares her journey from Forest City, Arkansas, to Milwaukee, and offers profound insights into maintaining health and wellness as we age. Gloria's story is a testament to the importance of community, respect, and proactive healthcare. Here are some key takeaways from the episode:
Family and Community: Gloria reminisces about the strong community bonds of her childhood and their crucial role in fostering respect and support among neighbors.
Career and Purpose: With a diverse career path, including serving as the executive director of the African World Festival and currently as the special events director for St. Ann City Center for Intergenerational Care, Gloria emphasizes following one's gifts and trusting in a higher power.
Health Management: As a type 2 diabetic, Gloria discusses the importance of paying attention to your body, adhering to medical advice, and the impact of cultural experiences on health, such as her enlightening trip to Ghana.
🌟 Join the Conversation
Our discussion with Gloria also highlights the critical role of evidence-based programs in improving health outcomes. She suggests innovative ways to increase community participation, such as pop-up events in churches and festivals, and stresses the significance of in-person interactions for more effective engagement.
Call to Action:
Pop-up Events: Would you be interested in attending a pop-up health and wellness event in your community? Let us know your thoughts and suggestions!
Share Your Story: Have you or someone you know benefited from an evidence-based health program? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at [Your Email Address].
📅 Upcoming Events
June 19: Juneteenth Celebration - Join us for a day of festivities, including a special health and wellness booth where you can learn more about managing diabetes, get a quick health check, and participate in fun physical activities!
July 10: Better Than 55 Party - If you're over 55 and love old-school music, this one's for you! Dance, socialize, and learn about staying active and healthy.
📧 Stay Connected
For more insightful conversations and updates on our programs, follow us on our social media channels:
[Facebook]
[Twitter]
[Instagram]
Thank you for being a part of our community. Your health and wellness are our top priorities. Remember, you are important, and taking the first step towards a healthier life is something only you can do!
Warm regards,
The ADS Evidence Based Programs Team
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Feel free to reply to this email with any questions, feedback, or stories you’d like to share. We love hearing from our listeners!
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🧵 Tweet thread
Absolutely, here's an engaging Twitter thread based on the transcript with Gloria Miller:
🧵1/ Meet Gloria Miller: Chair for the Wellness Division of the Department on Aging in Milwaukee, & a dedicated commissioner. At 72, Gloria is living proof that age is just a number when it comes to making an impact. 👏 #InspirationalWomen #HealthyAging
2/ Originally from Forest City, Arkansas, Gloria moved to Milwaukee at the tender age of 5. She recalls a time when community and family were EVERYTHING. 🏡 "If you did something wrong, your parents knew before you got home!" 📢 #CommunityLove
3/ Gloria's career has been nothing short of dynamic! From marketing management to being Executive Director for African World Festival, her journey is a testament to God-given talents over formal degrees. 🌟 #CareerGoals
4/ For Gloria, staying active and managing health is crucial. As a Type 2 diabetic, she’s committed to listening to her body & following doctor’s orders. ✨ "I don't like getting a whooping, so I do what I'm supposed to do!" #HealthIsWealth
5/ Gloria recently returned from Ghana, where she experienced the profound sense of community and respect. 🇬🇭 "Everybody greets you, nobody looks down upon you. It’s something I wish we would get back to here." 🌍 #GlobalPerspectives
6/ Despite the challenges, Gloria believes strongly in the importance of evidence-based health programs for seniors. 📊 Yet, she notes the difficulty in getting information out effectively—flyers just won't cut it anymore! 📨❌ #CommunityHealth
7/ Gloria suggests using pop-up events at churches & community centers to educate and engage people about health programs, especially around diabetes management. 🏢🔍 "Most people are not going to read that information, they need to see it." 👀 #HealthEducation
8/ When it comes to engaging seniors who are isolated, Gloria emphasizes the power of events like Juneteenth. 🎉 Why not combine the fun with a health check-up? "You never know what you might get!" #SeniorHealth #CommunityEvents
9/ And who wouldn’t love a "Better than 55" party? 🎶 Especially if it includes some old-school tunes from The Temptations & Gladys Knight! 💃#TimelessMusic #SeniorEvents
10/ To those at home hesitant about their health: "You are important. The most important thing in your life is YOU. Make that doctor's appointment. You deserve to feel good." 🩺💖 #SelfCare #HealthMatters
11/ Gloria's mantra for staying busy? "If I sit on my butt, I ain't doing nothing. That’s not good for me." 💥 Remember, activity is key to a fulfilling life. #StayActive #AgeWell
12/ Much gratitude to Gloria Miller for sharing her wisdom and experiences. Let's build a healthier, more connected community together. 🌐💪 #WellnessWarrior #CommunityChampion
🪡 Threads by Instagram
Just listened to Gloria M. from Forest City, Arkansas, now a vibrant Milwaukee leader at 72! Her community-centered upbringing reminds us of the power of neighborhood bonds.
Gloria M. shares how respect and family values shaped her life. Remember when everyone in the block looked out for you? Let's bring that community spirit back.
From managing African World Festival to St. Ann's Intergenerational Care, Gloria M. shows that our unique gifts and connections can guide us through purpose-filled careers.
Powerful moment with Gloria M. on maintaining health: If you don't feel right, take action! Prioritize yourself and consult the professionals. Your health is your wealth.
Gloria's Ghana experience is eye-opening. Respect, diversity, and community stand out. Her insights make us rethink our own societal values and what we can learn from others.
Summary of 5 points
Certainly! Based on the insights from the interview with Gloria Miller, here are five recommendations to enhance the recruitment efforts for African American participants and facilitators:
1. Leverage Faith-Based Organizations and Community Groups
Insight: Gloria emphasizes the importance of her church community and mentions organizations like interfaith or MICA.
Action: Partner with local churches and community organizations to disseminate information about programs. For example, set up informational pop-ups during church gatherings or community meetings to directly engage with potential participants and facilitators.
2. Organize Informative Pop-Up Events
Insight: Gloria suggests that in-person engagement is more effective than mail or paper flyers, particularly highlighting the effectiveness of pop-up activities in well-trafficked areas.
Action: Host pop-up events at popular local festivals like Juneteenth, or community centers to give people a firsthand look at the programs and offer initial experiences and testing. These events can make it easier for participants to commit to longer-term participation.
3. Utilize Trusted Channels and Word-of-Mouth
Insight: Gloria mentions that people often discard information received via mail and highlights the importance of direct communication and recommendations from trusted sources.
Action: Develop a network of community ambassadors, including church leaders, community activists, and well-known local figures, who can advocate for the programs and personally invite their networks to participate.
4. Offer Flexible and Engaging Program Formats
Insight: The phone-based diabetes program lacked engagement for Gloria due to the absence of face-to-face interaction and her busy schedule.
Action: Propose flexible program schedules, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats. Additionally, ensure in-person sessions are interactive and community-focused to maintain high interest and engagement.
5. Promote Through Culturally Relevant Entertainment and Activities
Insight: Gloria would attend a "Better Than 55" party if it included old-school music that resonates with her generation.
Action: Integrate cultural elements that resonate with the target demographic into recruitment events. Host social gatherings or dance parties featuring popular old-school music and combine these events with brief informational sessions about the evidence-based programs.
Implementing these recommendations can significantly enhance the engagement and recruitment of African American participants and facilitators, creating a more interconnected and well-informed community.
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