OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY
The unrest in our country in the wake of the deaths of too many Black lives underscores how crucial it is to dismantle our inequitable systems. We have been committed to equity as an organization and through our CORE work, but now see that equity is not enough. Systemic racism creates barriers for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, upholds all other forms of oppression, and is an injustice to us all. United Way of Snohomish County recommits to centering equity but will also strive to be anti-racist in all facets of our organization, intentionally disrupt White-dominant culture, and work to create spaces where our staff, board, and partners feel comfortable being their authentic selves. Missteps are to be expected but we’ll use them as an opportunity to grow and learn rather than be defensive. We’re on this journey with you.
WANT TO STRENGTHEN YOUR OWN COMMITMENT?
Getting started is the first step. Here's a list of videos, podcasts, reading materials, and social media accounts to follow to learn and practice more.
As new resources become available, we will refresh the links on this page.
Watch
- 50 states, 50 different ways of teaching America's past (6:58)
- How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Discussing Race (11:56)
- Trevor Noah re: George Floyd, Minneapolis Protests, Ahmaud Arbery & Amy Cooper (18:12)
- Understanding the Racial Wealth Gap (16:12)
- Why ‘I’m Not Racist’ is Only Half the Story (6:33)
Listen
- 1619 podcast (start with first episode)
- All My Relations podcast (any episode)
- How Does Racism Affect Your Health? (11:49)
- Seeing White podcast (start with first episode)
- The Systems that Protect the Police (25:38)
Read
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (book)
- Explaining White Privilege To A Broke White Person (article)
- How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi (book)
- So You Wanna Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo (book)
- The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson (book)
Visit In-Person
- Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
- Hibulb Cultural Center
- Northwest African American Museum
- Sauk-Suiattle Museum & Cultural Center
- Sea Mar Museum of Chicano/a/Latino/a Culture
Follow
Act
- Find Out Whose Land You’re On
- Interrupt Racial Jokes
- Contact your elected officials. Find yours here by plugging in your information and clicking “My Elected Officials” in the left sidebar.
- Join or otherwise support the equity team at your school, workplace, or place of worship.
- Share these links with loved ones or even invite them to participate with you in a racial equity “challenge” like the one listed below.. Let people know you are not neutral!
Other Great Resource Compilations
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?
We welcome conversation, additions, and/or corrections to the content on this page. Please contact Allison Matsumoto at allison.matsumoto@uwsc.org with questions or comments.