Welcome to the 2021 21-Day Equity Challenge!
Welcome to the 21-Day Equity Challenge!
We are so glad that you are joining us in our journey to becoming a more inclusive community that celebrates our rich diversity and builds equitable pathways for all people to thrive.
At United Way for Southeastern Michigan, we are committed to deconstructing systemic racism while advancing diversity, equity and inclusion for all. We recognize and value that we are learning alongside every single one of you who participates in this challenge. We hope to engage together humbly as we learn together and work to hold each other accountable over the next 21 days and beyond. Together, we can Stand United for Justice, Unity, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
So what can you expect? Over the next 21 days, we will take a closer look at topical issues related to systemic racism, inequity and injustice, especially as they relate to Southeastern Michigan. Each day, you will receive a short introduction to a topic along with a few challenge options, like reading an article, watching a video, or reviewing an infographic. Set aside 15-20 minutes to consume as many of the resources as you would like and take a few moments to reflect on what you have learned using the reflection questions included in that day’s email.
Each Friday, we will host roundtable discussions where you will have the opportunity to engage in a facilitated discussion with other challenge participants. It is our hope that through enriching dialog we can apply our learning and engagement to our communities to facilitate lasting and sustainable change.
To lay the groundwork for success, this pre-challenge information is designed to help you develop a better understanding of United Way’s diversity, equity and inclusion work, review foundational materials like common DEI terms, and to begin stretching your capacity to learn and reflect. Equity is a muscle that we must all work to build. We encourage you to review the materials and reflection questions before the challenge starts. We look forward to embarking on this journey with you.
TODAY’S CHALLENGE
Read
Review United Way’s list of commonly used DEI terms. As you look through the definitions, take note of which terms are new to you and which ones you need to learn more about. Consider saving the list to use as a helpful reference throughout the challenge. (4 minutes)
Act
Initiate a conversation about the Equity Challenge with a friend, family member or colleague. Share the challenge on social media using the hashtag #EquityChallenge and encourage others to sign up!
Reflect And Share
- Why are you taking part in the Equity Challenge?
- How are you feeling as you begin the Equity Challenge?
- What do you hope to learn over the course of the Equity Challenge?
- How will you keep yourself accountable to finish the Equity Challenge?
TALK TO YOUR SOCIAL CIRCLE.
Start the conversation. Send the tweet. Share your story. Make the Facebook post. Sharing what you learn and experience with your family, friends, and co-workers is the first step toward allyship.
