DAY 19: Racial Equity Tools
Over the past 18 days, we have learned how racial inequities permeate our communities on individual, institutional and systemic levels. We are all impacted by the system of racism in our country and, therefore, all responsible for dismantling the structures that allow it to persist.
Change is possible when we work together toward a shared vision of a more equitable and stronger community. There are many tools we can employ as individuals and organizations to drive individual and community transformation. By continuing to listen and learn we can identify opportunities in our daily life to leverage our personal power and privilege, wherever we find it, to create a society in which one's identity does not predict their outcome.
We highlight a few of these tools below, but encourage you to explore Racial Equity Tools, a comprehensive site of resources designed to support learning, planning, acting and evaluating efforts to achieve racial equity.
Creating equitable outcomes requires us to unite our voices – speaking up and speaking out. It requires that we change the way we talk about members of our community, to focus on their aspirations rather than their challenges. In practice, this is called asset-framing and uses narratives to change the unconscious associations ingrained in our society.
TODAY’S CHALLENGE: Do one or more of the following…
READ
Learn more about how the Skillman Foundation is using asset-framing in their work with Detroit Children, and watch videos from Trabian Shorters, founder and CEO of BMe Community, discuss how to put asset-framing into practice.Read this Beginner's Guide to Asset Framing to learn more about why the way we communicate impacts our ability to achieve racial equity.
Check out the Being Antiracist article from the National Museum from African American History and Culture.
One of the best ways to continue to build empathy and learn about race is to start a conversation. Read Race Forward’s 10 Ways to Start a Conversation About Race to learn more about how to start a conversation with friends, at school, at work and more.
LISTEN
Listen to this podcast, hosted by NPR, featuring Ibram X. Kendi, the author of the New York Times bestseller How to Be an Antiracist.
TAKE ACTION
Register for the virtual Racial Equity Town Hall event on Tuesday, February 23, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (EST). Hear from Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., creator of the equity challenge concept, attend breakout sessions and more!
GIVE BACK
Take part in this week's service activity: Shop Online
This week, give virtually by shopping local nonprofits' Amazon Wish List for new children’s books by Black authors or socks, facemasks, hand sanitizer and hats/gloves. Learn more and give back.
