Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In the area of Civic Equity we (1) worked with 6 law enforcement and governmental agencies to include underrepresented communities in their planning and decision-making, diversity workforces and create inclusive workplaces, and revise policies and (2) trained 23 individuals from underrepresented groups on board and committee practices and lobbied for processes that would enhance their inclusion on city boards and commissions, and (3) provided 20 individuals from underrepresented groups with self-advocacy skills, real-life experience in community action, and connections to civic organizations. In the area of Educational Equity we (1) held 2 Peacemaker Camps for 27 at-risk Latinx students to teach advocacy, self-expression, and leadership skills, (2) held student empowerment and leadership development workshops for 20 Somali students, (3) collaborated with Workforce Development, Inc., and regional partners to improve skill-building and employment for formerly incarcerated persons, minority populations, and individuals with disabilities, and (4) partnered with 4 higher educational institutions to improve their cultures and practices of diversity and inclusion. In the Area of Health Equity we (1) took leadership roles in the community networking groups on affordable housing, affordable childcare, and financial stress, (2) trained 39 “books” for Human Library of Southeastern Minnesota that served 330 “readers,” to reduce bias and improve cultural understanding, (3) trained 368 community members to respond proactively to incidents of bias through our Allies & Advocates bootcamps, and (4) hosted 2 diVerse poetry slams and 3 FUSE (Fun & Unique Social Encounters) events to create social bonds between community members from diverse backgrounds.
Current Goals
In the area of Civic Equity, to: (1) work with 3 or more law enforcement or judicial agencies on organizational culture, community relations, and/or policies and procedures, resulting in 70% of participants reporting an increase in knowledge and one organization reporting significant change in organizational culture and/or community relationships, and (2) provide EquityLogic training for Youth Detention Center staff to raise awareness of unconscious bias and improve equal access to justice under the law. In the area of Educational Equity, to: (1) serve 2000 students in grades 8-12 with interactive skill-building forums and curriculum on individual empowerment, self-advocacy, understanding bias, and active participation in school culture, which are all central to establishing a foundation for success and reducing interactions with the criminal justice system, and (2) work with 4 or more educational institutions to improve organizational culture and address issues of equity on campus resulting in 70% of participants reporting an increase in knowledge and one organization reporting significant change in organizational culture/campus relations. In the area of Health Equity, to: (1) deploy EquityLogic trainings and consultations to 3 or more entities in the health arena, with 70% of participants reporting an increase in knowledge and one organization reporting significant change in organizational relations, and (2) sponsor 3 community conversations with 80 participants each that bring attention to the adverse effects of bias and discrimination on the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health that affect marginalized communities.
Community or Constituency Served
We serve the people who attend our training on diversity and inclusion in schools, businesses, institutions of higher education and government, nonprofits, and community venues. We also provide leadership, expertise, and resources for individuals and groups that want to more effectively support inclusion and equity. These are our direct clients, but in a sense we also serve entire communities by creating an environment that is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.
Geographic Area Served
We primarily serve Rochester and Olmsted County, although we occasionally work in other communities in Minnesota and the United States.
