There are many people who don’t realize that we have yet to achieve a society where everyone has equal opportunities, and that we’re still dealing with the affects slavery and Jim Crow. That’s why it’s so important for our children to learn about this history, to see examples of people who fought for equal rights, and to understand how that history impacts us today.
Key lessons we have learned about addressing racism in community initiatives
Everyday Democracy’s Dialogue to Change process is an adaptable approach to community engagement that is grounded in years of experience and learning with communities throughout the U.S. Download this printable handout that explains the Dialogue to Change process.
This activity shows some of the advantages and disadvantages related to organizational power and privilege. The activity is used to show how long-term accumulation of advantages based on organizational privilege can produce gaps among groups and create inequities in the communities we hope to serve.
This activity shows some of the advantages and disadvantages related to racial/ethnic identity or skin color. The activity is used to show how long-term accumulation of advantages based on skin color can produce gaps among groups and create inequities.
This lesson helps teachers engage their students on "living citizenship" through classroom and personal civic engagement activities by the students using a "civics scorecard" that helps them explore different ways to become "great citizens." The "scorecard" activity allows students to learn more about "civic health" through actual civic participation in their schools and communities.
This lesson plan is an introduction to "civic health" and its connection to "great citizenship." It helps students learn about how ordinary citizens participate in the public arena by volunteering, voting, donating, working with neighbors and public officials, learning about and engaging on issues, attending public events and hearings, etc.
Use this worksheet to help you create messages that will reach key groups in your communications efforts. It will walk you through thinking about how you will contact those groups, what barriers you may face in reaching them, and how to overcome those barriers.
Use these worksheets to help your group design a strategy for reaching out and getting new volunteers and participants.
This is an exercise to help your coalition create a shared idea about what you hope to accomplish together.
Our ultimate goal is to create positive community change that includes everyone, and we believe that our tools, advice, and resources will help foster that kind of change. Whether you’re grappling with a divisive community issue, or simply want to include residents’ voices in city government, Everyday Democracy's Dialogue to Change process, using a racial equity lens, can help.
