The Heart of Community (Guest Speaker Jacquie Michelle)
Jacquie Michelle (she/her) is the founder and Director of LiveWell Camas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to community wellness through movement, inclusive programming, accessible pricing, youth leadership, food systems, mutual aid, and the Camas Pride and Queer All Year initiatives. She’s also the founder of Little Warriors Yoga School, EatWell Camas, owner of Camas Plant & Supply, and most recently became the Special Events Coordinator for the City of Camas Parks and Recreation. A community organizer, movement educator, and breast cancer survivor, Jacquie brings over 20 years of experience in yoga, fitness, and holistic wellness to her work—because she believes that community is at the heart of everything we do. Outside of her professional roles, she’s a garden lover, dog mom, stepmom, and lifelong learner—doing her best every day to be a good human, support her community, and show up authentically in everything she does.
"There is no denying that consideration of others is worthwhile and that our happiness is inextricably bound up with the happiness of others. There is no denying that if society suffers, we ourselves suffer, and the more our hearts and minds are afflicted with ill-will, the more miserable we become. We can reject religion, ideology, received wisdom, but we cannot escape the need for love and compassion.
~ Dalai Lama
Queries:
How am I showing up — for myself, my neighbors, my community — in this moment?
Where in my life can I practice Compassion more fully, even in small, quiet ways?
When I feel overwhelmed or tired, how might I stay connected — to the work, to others, to love itself?
What does it mean for me to live in my faith — not just in words, but in action?