On Thursday, November 14, 2024, City Council Members and staff from the Equity and Engagement Department attended a Campus-Community Compact Sponsored gathering entitled “Building Wellness, Advancing Equity: A Community Gathering for Health & Human Services Professionals”. Several community organizations joined them, including the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, CU Public Health District, Habitat for Humanity, and the Champaign County Mental Health Board. The gathering aimed to explore the concept of equity in health and wellness. Participants discussed barriers to achieving an equitable and well community. They also shared “radical” ideas for overcoming these challenges. A key topic was self-care and how to balance it with work in community wellness care. The event was held at the MTD City Building and featured amazing people, snacks, and opportunities for connection.