Supporting Wellbeing with the Okanagan Charter: A Health Promotions Framework

Abstract

This chapter describes the Okanagan Charter (2015), a health promotions framework co-constructed by professionals, academics, campus leaders, and organizations focused on health and wellbeing. The Okanagan Charter outlines commitments and calls to action to support the health of people and the planet. Campuses and other organizations can sign on to the Charter; signatories are responsible for articulating their goals and actions that will address the commitments and calls to action. This chapter provides an overview of the development of the Okanagan Charter and its subsequent adoption across North America and Europe at post-secondary campuses and other organizations. The chapter examines the successes and the challenges of adoption and implementation and highlights the very recent exponential uptake of the Charter across the United States. The chapter concludes with implications and potential future directions of this health promotion movement, guided by the framework of the Okanagan Charter.

Citation

Squires, V. (2024), "Supporting Wellbeing with the Okanagan Charter: A Health Promotions Framework", Walker, K.D. and Kutsyuruba, B. (Ed.) The Emerald Handbook of Wellbeing in Higher Education: Global Perspectives on Students, Faculty, Leaders, and Institutions, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 329-341. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83797-504-420241024