Juneteenth is a celebration of an important step on the road to freedom and justice for all, when we lifted the veil of lies that kept some unjustly enslaved.
As we honor the courage to fight for freedom and the strength of a community united, we must recommit ourselves to continuing on the road to racial justice and exposing the truths of systemic racism that continue today. During difficult times we all, especially those of us in the human services field, need to ground ourselves and our work in authenticity, trust, and community well-being.
This month, Illinois Partners held a four-part training series on Advancing Racial Equity in the Sector and Systems in which we Advocate to deepen our understanding and commitment to racial equity. Guest speakers and participants shared best practices, challenges, and strategies with one another to move past power dynamics created by white supremacy and racial injustice. In the spirit of the times and transparency, we wanted to share some of the racial equity tools you and your organizations can begin to use now. Please reach out to our Training Manager, Katherine Cavanaugh, katherine@illinoispartners.org, if you want support in reviewing or implementing any of these tools or strategies.
- Race Equity Culture Continuum Assessment for Organizations (JustLead Washington). This tool includes questions organizations can use or adapt to assess where they are on the continuum.
- Continuum on Becoming an Anti-Racist Multicultural Organization – A Visual Tool (Crossroads). This visual tool helps organizations assess where they are on their journey toward becoming fully inclusive, anti-racist institutions and to identify next steps for growth and transformation. It encourages organizations to reflect deeply on their policies, practices, culture, and identity in relation to systemic racism.
- GARE Racial Equity Toolkit. The tools are designed to integrate explicit consideration of racial equity in decisions, including policies, practices, programs, and budgets. Community based organizations can use the tool to advance racial equity within organizations and externally to hold the government accountable. A Racial Equity Worksheet is included in Appendix C.
We also shared resources related to the federal executive orders impacting efforts to advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
- Meltzer Center’s Advancing DEI Initiative
- DEI Insights & Guidance for Nonprofits Following Recent Executive Orders
- Preparing for Federal Enforcement Actions – What Employers Need to Know (Seyfarth)
As we reflect on Juneteenth, let us continue the work of learning and acting with courage to advance racial equity in our sector and the systems where we advocate.
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