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UID:26@publicstrategies.org
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260318T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260318T120000
DTSTAMP:20260323T204150Z
URL:https://publicstrategies.org/events/beyond-programs-how-third-spaces-s
 trengthen-community-connection-and-prevention/
SUMMARY:Beyond Programs: How Third Spaces Strengthen Community Connection a
 nd Prevention
DESCRIPTION:\nCommunity connection is a powerful protective factor — yet 
 many communities are experiencing increased social isolation\, loneliness\
 , and a loss of shared\, substance-free spaces to gather. As traditional p
 revention efforts struggle to keep pace with changing social dynamics\, th
 ird spaces have emerged as a promising upstream strategy to strengthen bel
 onging\, reduce isolation\, and support healthier communities.\n\nThis fre
 e webinar will explore how third spaces\, community-led\, substance-free g
 athering spaces that exist outside of home and work or school\, function a
 s an environmental prevention strategy\, not a programmatic intervention. 
 Drawing from research\, practice\, and real-world examples\, IPS will shar
 e how communities can intentionally design\, activate\, and sustain third 
 spaces that reflect local culture\, priorities\, and leadership.\nTopics d
 iscussed will include:\n\n 	What third spaces are and how they differ from
  traditional prevention programs\n 	Why social connection\, belonging\, an
 d community ownership matter for prevention\n 	How third spaces increase p
 rotective factors and address conditions that influence substance use\n 	E
 quity\, accessibility\, and cultural relevance in third space design\n 	An
  overview of IPS’s Third Spaces Playbook and how it can be applied local
 ly\n\nThe webinar will also feature a case study from West Hollywood\, hig
 hlighting large-scale third space activations rooted in arts\, culture\, a
 nd community leadership. Presenters will share lessons learned\, what made
  these spaces successful\, and what elements are most replicable across di
 fferent community contexts.\n\nThis webinar is intended for public health 
 professionals\, community organizers\, prevention practitioners\, and loca
 l leaders interested in upstream\, environmental approaches that move beyo
 nd programming to strengthen community connection and well-being.\n\nPrese
 nters: Gabey Rojas\, Program Manager\; Ruby Ramos\, Prevention Specialist\
 nThis Event Has Passed\nWatch the Webinar\nDownload Slides
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://publicstrategies.org/wp-content/uploads/
 2026/02/webinarheader-thirdspace-web.png
CATEGORIES:Webinar
LOCATION:http://publicstrategies.org
ORGANIZER;CN="IPS":MAILTO:info@publicstrategies.org
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DTSTART:20260308T030000
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