A2: Leaning into the Equity Journey for a Better Sector and Community
Area of Focus: Advancing Equity
Room Location: Key 9
Community-based organizations provide critical direct supports to individuals, families, and communities who are often left disenfranchised due to the racial inequities embedded in our country’s systems that marginalize the health and well-being of Black, Indigenous, and people of color. It is imperative for these organizations to recognize the larger transformative potential they, as the nexus to communities, have in improving the context in which people live their lives (i.e., the social determinants of health).
Social sector leaders must recognize that the journey to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is a process that oftentimes is messy, uncomfortable, and reveals vulnerabilities. Social sector leaders will understand and apply the equation of leaning into the EDI journey, which requires adaptive leadership skills, showing up as our authentic selves, and relentless persistence.
This session will explore specific ways organizations can deepen their commitment to advancing EDI using a matrix developed by Social Current. From the board to every staff member in an organization, we recognize the significant role every person in an organization has in this work.
We invite you to hear from organizations who are currently deeply engaged in EDI work and at different points in the journey. Learn about their respective challenges and opportunities, as well as how their organizations and communities are becoming more equitable, as a result of measurable systems change.
Learning Objectives
- How to deepen your commitment to advancing EDI, using a matrix developed by Social Current
- Real-world examples from organizations that have begun and continue to advance the journeys
- Challenges and opportunities related to the EDI journey
Presenters
Undraye Howard
Vice President of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Social Current
Marlena Torres
COO
Children’s Home Society of Washington
Angela Bell
Director of Program Operations
The Up Center