Organizational Listening Sessions
We’re asking a select group of partners, organizations, and leaders to join us for one of seven upcoming listening sessions throughout our region. We want to hear from you.
As Missouri Foundation for Health enters a new chapter, we know that our strategy will only work if it’s shaped by the people and organizations closest to the challenges. Before we speak directly with community residents in their own listening sessions, we’re taking time to hear from leaders like you.
Please join us for one of the following sessions:
Greater St. Louis Region (O’Fallon Park Rec Complex | St. Louis, MO): Oct 19 | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Central Corridor Region (404 Portland Event Center | Columbia, MO): Oct 20 | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Northeast Region (Baptist Student Union | Kirksville, MO): Oct 21 | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The Lakes Region (Dragonfly Hall | Gravois Mills, MO): Oct 22 | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
South Central Ozark Region (West Plains Civic Center | West Plains, MO): Oct 23 | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Southwest Region (Crowder College | Neosho, MO): Oct 27 | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Bootheel Region (Three Rivers College | Sikeston, MO): Oct 30 | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Register Here
Each organization may register up to three representatives.
We recognize that your experience and trust are valuable. Thank you for considering joining us and for all you do on behalf of our communities.
Have a question? Read the FAQ below and then reach us at questions@mffh.org.
Help Us Invite Leaders Like You
We know that MFH doesn’t have relationships with everyone we should be hearing from. Please help us widen the circle and make room for perspectives that have not always been represented in conversations like this.
If there are grassroots organizations, community leaders, faith-based groups, government agencies, businesses, academic institutions, nonprofits, or others, particularly those who may not have worked with MFH before, we would be grateful if you would help connect us by using this invitation guide to invite two organizational leaders within your network.
We are intentionally looking to build new relationships, listen beyond our existing networks, and make sure the people and communities most impacted by the issues we care about have opportunities to help build the future together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you also be engaging directly with community residents?
Yes. Following these seven listening sessions, MFH will take part in a regional listening tour to hear directly from community residents.
Do I need to register?
Yes. Registration is required for all listening sessions, and each organization may register up to three representatives.
Each session has a limited number of spaces so we can create a welcoming environment where participants have room to share their experiences, listen to others, and be heard.
Which listening session should I attend?
Please register for the session closest to you. Ideally the location should also best align with the county or counties your organization serves or has a strong connection to, but we are not asking participants to travel farther than necessary.
I can’t make it to any of the sessions. Is there any other way I can share my thoughts and feedback?
Yes. Please be on the lookout for a feedback form we will be sharing for those who are unable to attend.
Are these listening sessions part of a funding or grantmaking process?
No, participation does not affect whether an organization or community will receive funding from MFH.
These sessions are an opportunity for MFH to listen and learn directly from people who know their communities best. What MFH hears will help inform how the Foundation understands and responds to community priorities and how it approaches its next chapter.
What will happen with what MFH hears?
What participants share will help inform MFH’s understanding of community priorities, strengths, challenges, and opportunities as the Foundation looks toward its next chapter.
MFH will share what it learns and how those insights help shape what comes next, creating a feedback loop between listening and action.
Can I participate in more than one Organizational Listening Session?
Because space is intentionally limited, we ask organizations to first prioritize the conversation that best aligns with the communities they serve.
What will we discuss during the listening sessions?
Conversations will focus on what organizations and leaders are seeing and hearing in their communities, what is working, emerging needs and priorities, community strengths and challenges, and opportunities to make a difference.
Do I need to have experience with MFH to participate?
No. MFH is intentionally creating opportunities to hear from people who may or may not have an existing relationship with the Foundation.
Will food be provided?
Yes. Food will be provided at each listening session. Please indicate any dietary accommodations or restrictions when you register so we can best plan for your participation.
Will ASL interpretation be available?
ASL interpretation will be available as needed. Please indicate this when you register so we can best support your participation.
Will the listening sessions be accessible?
MFH is seeking venues that are ADA accessible and designed to support participation for everyone. If you need specific accessibility accommodations, please let us know when you register so we can best support your participation.
Still have questions? Reach us at questions@mffh.org.