The Equity Continuum Toolkit offers case studies and tools to help organizations advance racial equity and impact

Take the next step on your equity journey

Summer Search harnessed data about staff and the young people they mentor and support, leading to shifts in program delivery, partnerships and internal culture.

Mathematica, the social policy research organization, undertook a multi-year strategic DEI plan to deepen an equity focus across research projects and services.

Meyer Memorial Trust, based in Oregon, has transformed its grantmaking, asset management, and more, as part of the foundation’s deepening commitment to racial justice.

DEFINING EQUITY

Organizations can counteract the inequities that permeate our society

Equity is defined by PolicyLink as just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential.

Advancing equity means counteracting racial and economic barriers and systemic exclusions (historic and current) that prevent people from realizing their potential — explore other definitions.

Equity work…

Increasing organizational focus on equity is an ongoing, multi-year journey. There is no single “right” destination or a universally “right” starting point, and no perfect sequence or mix of internal and external work.

… can lead to impact

Research shows that leaders of color have the strategic capacity to change narratives and mobilize social change organizations. Greater diversity among leaders can, for instance, increase capital funding in school districts, which can in turn improve educational outcomes.

"We had to look ourselves in the mirror and realize that despite our best intentions and articulated beliefs, we were perpetuating some of the oppressive systems that we were trying to break."
Anne Eidelman Blue Engine
“We’re working against 400 years of history. This is an ongoing effort that needs to be engaged with a lot of intentionality and urgency over the long haul. Maintaining that dynamic is a very significant challenge.”
Clotilde Perez-Bode DedeckerCommunity Foundation of Greater Buffalo
“This journey has been as much about unlearning as it has been learning. We need to ask ourselves this question at every decision point: Am I perpetuating oppression or am I dismantling it?”
Lindsay Hill Raikes Foundation
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ADVANCING EQUITY

Take the next step on your equity journey

The Equity Continuum Toolkit is intended to help organizations make progress across the seven dimensions below.

For a definition of each dimension, hover over the box. Click to explore case studies, tools and more.

Mission & Vision

Embed values and principles of inclusion, diversity and equity within mission and vision statements
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Theory of Change

Set goals and strategies to achieve more equitable community outcomes and partner with constituents throughout planning and implementation
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Programs & Activities

Center equity in program design and structures, programmatic practices, staffing, messaging and more
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Evaluation & Learning

Measure progress towards equity in partnership with communities using accessible, culturally appropriate metrics and learning methods
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Operations

Foreground equity in operations such as HR & talent management; marketing, communications & community engagement; procurement, facilities & financial management
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Governance

Engage leadership and board to drive an equity focus and ensure they are genuinely reflective of, and connected to, the communities they serve
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Culture

Demonstrate and reinforce values of diversity, inclusion and equity throughout the organization’s “stories”, symbols, rituals and structures
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DATA IS FOUNDATIONAL TO EQUITY

Organizations should consult both quantitative and qualitative data to understand and respond to community needs.

PolicyLink and USC’s National Equity Atlas is America’s most detailed report card on racial and economic equity, community by community. Likewise, Listen4Good helps organizations develop and use survey, interview and other community feedback tools.

Illustrative Data Approaches
Explore case studies of organizations advancing racial equity and impact

Organizational equity work sometimes has legal and compliance implications.


Learn More Here