The Citizenism Project
Journey to Reclaim the Role of the Citizen in the Political Ecosystem
The Philadelphia Center for Salutogenesis
The Philadelphia Center for Salutogenesis envisions healthy, flourishing individuals living in healthy communities supported by a responsive social- political ecosystem that is motivated by and strives to facilitate optimal well being for all citizens.
Launching September 2022
Salutogenesis
Derived from the Latin salūt-, salūs "safety, well-being, health" + -genesis origin, salutogenesis is “a newer way of thinking about health...a manner of monitoring health by promoting well-being rather than measuring disease.”
The Merriam-Webster dictionary
Our Mission
The Philadelphia Center for Salutogenesis' mission is to popularize the salutogenic paradigm; to contribute to the knowledge base, and to increase the impact it has in multiple spheres. We will study, promote, develop educational and clinical tools, and disseminate the ideas and best practices associated with the salutogenic paradigm, a framework to create, enhance, and improve physical, mental and social well-being. .
The question at the core of the Salutogenic Paradigm
What are the factors that contribute to the creation and maintenance of optimal well being?
What conditions allow citizens to thrive and flourish?
How do we monitor the wellbeing of individuals and communities?
A half-century ago medical researcher and sociologist Aaron Antonovsky introduced a novel framework for viewing day-to-day health as a point on a continuum ranging from major illness and misery on through to engaged and energized thriving. Antonovsky applied the term “Salutogenesis” to the focus on movement toward higher levels of health in contrast to traditional emphasis in the medical model on harm and loss of function (movement downward from baseline health, or pathogenesis).
Salutogenesis Along the River of Life
The First 1000 Days
The foundations for well-being are largely influenced by what has happened during the first 1000 days from conception to 2nd year of life.
Childhood
Understanding the factors contributing to child development and flourishing.
Includes:
Two to Six
Six to Thirteen
Thirteen to 21
Adult
The salutogenic aspects of adult life. Including relationships, parenting, work and belonging in community.
Elderly
The purpose of The Elderly in the Salutogenic River of Life is to provide a blueprint and a course of action that reimagines elderhood.
Salutogenesis in the Health Care System
Education
The promotion of the Salutogenic Paradigm in the Medical and public settings.
Clinical Care
Translational multidisciplinary clinical practice & dissemination of best practice
Research
Basic and applied interdisciplinary Salutogenic research.
Advocacy
Promote salutogenic informed public engagement and policy.
Personal Salutogenesis
My Optimal Health
Provide education and tools for individuals salutogenic experience of well being.
Health Promotion
Salutogenic informed public health activities.
Social Salutogenesis
Salutogenesis in Settings
Work
Salutogenesis in working life explores the challenging and fast-changing context for health.
Schools
How can salutogenic factors impact eduction? What are strategies to create a salutogenic educational experience?
Military
Salutogenic informed understanding and approaching military challenges experienced by soldiers and their families.
Political
The use of salutogenic understanding to address various challenges within the political ecosystem..
Learn More about Salutogenesis
The Philadelphia Center for Salutogenesis
Health of the Nation
Health of the Nation: Pursuit of Happiness
Health of the Nation: The First 1000 Days
Presentations
Salutogenesis: Introduction