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 January 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 ’s 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 in Health Care System
Education
The promotion of the Salutogenic Paradigm in the Medical and public settings.
Research
Translational clinical practice & dissemination of best practice
Advocacy
Translational clinical practice & dissemination of best practice
Personal Salutogenesis
My Optimal Health
The promotion of the Salutogenic Paradigm in the Medical and public settings.
Health Promotion
Translational clinical practice & dissemination of best practice
Community
What constitutes a salutogenic community? How do we measure it?
Nation
Translational clinical practice & dissemination of best practice
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.
Other
General use of salutogenic understanding to address various challenges.