The NEAR Collaborative is dedicated to employing a cross-systems approach that:

• Raises awareness and develops a common language for understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, toxic stress, and resilience;
• Promotes effective solutions to prevent and address ACEs, trauma, and toxic stress; and
• Aligns systems, policies and programs to support resilience at individual, community and state levels.
   

The NEAR Collaborative vision is a Michigan in which communities help all residents prevent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, and toxic stress and overcome their effects.
 

NEAR Collaborative members have identified goals that will serve as the driving force for accomplishing the Collaborative's mission and vision. The NEAR Collaborative work will:

1. Develop strategies to effectively recruit and retain an engaged cross-system membership.
2. Develop communication resources that create a common understanding about NEAR (neuroscience, epigenetics, adverse childhood experiences [ACEs], and resilience) science.
3. Review, develop and modify materials and opportunities to enhance and support trauma responsivity in state systems.
4. Develop and advocate throughout state systems for inclusive, equitable policies and evidence-based interventions that emphasize early intervention and break the cycles of the adverse impacts of trauma.
    

The NEAR Collaborative vision is a Michigan in which communities help all residents prevent and overcome the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, and toxic stress. Michigan residents, like NEAR Collaborative members, are diverse and inclusive of all abilities, backgrounds, and sexual orientations.

The NEAR Collaborative is committed to equity and inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience. We want to bring out the best in our collaborative by creating a sense of belonging, being a place where individuals can grow, and ensuring everyone feels valued, heard and supported so we can foster learning and innovation. We believe in providing an inclusive, respectful and affirming environment. We believe that to be successful, we must hold ourselves and each other accountable and honor the diversity each person holds to create the healthiest and most supportive Michigan possible.

If you have experienced the NEAR Collaborative or any of its members not living up to these values or expectations, or if you have identified areas in which we could improve, please email us at MDHHS-NEARCollaborative@michigan.gov.

Please Note: The Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) office in each State of Michigan department also has staff available to talk with residents regarding concerns or suggestions. You can find the REDI officer for each State of Michigan department at Michigan Department Equity and Inclusion Officers (michigan.gov).