Empower Residents With an Anti-racism Toolkit: Using the Presence 5 Racial Justice Curriculum as A Framework to Address Anti-black Racism

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) has become a central focus for many institutions across the country. As leaders grapple with myriad issues, committees are often created to inform and carryout these efforts. We will discuss how to successfully structure and lead a DEIJ committee to ensure member engagement, obtain incremental victories, and maintain positive momentum.

One major focus of the workshop will address the facilitators and barriers to DEIJ committee formation and functioning. DEIJ efforts have a unique impact on those that do the work. The panelists will discuss their research that explores the themes that positively or negatively impact the committee members and the success of the endeavor. The committee must have a successful launch. Proper committee formation includes construction of a mission statement that not only conveys the purpose of the committee but inspires individuals who serve on it or anyone that simply reads it. Participants will recognize how to craft a meaningful mission statement.

When approaching any structural or organizational change, having a multi-year strategic plan is a key for success. We will review a framework for increasing representational diversity, creating an inclusive environment, and working toward an anti-racist culture. Specifically, participants will recognize how to build a culturally diverse pipeline, effectively recruit, retain, and train the community. A special emphasis will be placed on how to employ "holistic recruitment" and participants will be able to list its key elements and identify how an effective toolkit can be developed and shared with others.