United Way of Illinois has launched a ’21 Week Equity Challenge’ in the form of a free online learning programme to tackle racial inequalities in the public and business communities.
Following a year of unrest and strife, the statewide association invites all Illinois’ residents to take the challenge and “learn racial issues and systemic inequalities, together”. “Our association, in partnership with local United Ways, is so excited to be taking this journey with our communities,” stated Eithne McMenamin, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for United Way of Illinois.
“This is an excellent opportunity to learn – personally and professionally – have necessary conversations, and equip our communities to engage meaningfully in the work of racial understanding and healing.”
ENCOURAGING RACIAL EQUITY CONVERSATIONS
The United Way of Illinois 21 Week Equity Challenge encourages individuals, families, friends and co-workers to have racial equity conversations to gain a deeper understanding about the impact systemic racism and inequality have on our state and in our local communities. United, we can help create a stronger, more equitable Illinois economy and stronger, more inclusive Illinois communities.
From Martin Luther King Junior Day (18th January) to Juneteenth (19th June), participants will complete weekly learning assignments about equity, racism, bias and more. The 15-minute assignments include readings, videos and questions to complete. Upon completion, they’ll receive a digital certificate and tips and tools to help continue the conversation in their local community.
21 WEEK EQUITY CHALLENGE
The 21 Week Equity Challenge is supported by Healing Illinois, the State of Illinois, The Chicago Community Trust and United Way of Illinois. The weekly curriculum was designed by United Way of Champaign, using evolving content originally created by United Way of Washtenaw County in Michigan. New challenge content will be released on a weekly basis, confirmed United Way. United Way of Metro Chicago has also joined United Way of Illinois, along with 43 other local United Ways across the state to embark on the 21 Week Equity Challenge. United Way staff and leadership will participate, as well as corporate partners, volunteers and donors, confirmed the organisation.
“Tackling inequality and racism isn’t just about the work we do in communities, it’s about the work we each do in our individual lives, too. Building an equitable region, and world, requires all of us to learn, expand our thinking and take action. The 21 Week Equity Challenge will help us begin building that foundational knowledge,” stated Sean Garrett, President and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago. “I, and our team here in Chicago, have accepted the Challenge. We invite our neighbours, partners and donors across the region to join, too.”
United Way of Metro Chicago brings together businesses, government, nonprofits, and community leaders to deliver funding, resources, and expertise to non-profit organisations across greater Chicago. It is also working alongside partners at the neighbourhood level to tackle the systemic issues that have plagued our region, creating communities where children and families can thrive.
Click here for more information about the challenge.
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