Critical Analysis of Present Inequities

Synopsis: Recognizing the present day implications of systemic & institutional oppression. Understanding how past inequities still have an impact today.

This critical exploration helps the leader to understand how past inequities still have an impact today. the housing redlining leading to under-resourced urban centers (housing, redling, etc).

This prepares the Equity Leader to view with a critical eye injustice and its origin and understand the lack of access and opportunities available and that institutional injustice like the School to Prison Pipeline are by design

Before you begin here, first complete the Critical Considerations section in your workbook, this will prepare you for the work of the following compelling practices.

Compelling Practices

In each of the sections below select 2-3 resources/activities to complete/explore.
In your Workbook record your response to the Turning Purpose Into Practice prompts thoughts, takeaways and learnings that resulted in your engagement.

Identify and Name the Inequities in Your Organization

Our work as an EL should start with what is local and immediate. Canvas your own organization, what are the inequalities and inequities that are present, who are they effecting and how?

Education Resources

Turning Purpose into Practice: Once you have identified some areas for improvement in your organization.

Do a mini action research project, talk with others, read past organizational reports, connect with other organizations and formulate preliminary solutions.

Develop an 'Asset Based Mindset

Develop an 'Asset Based Mindset' in relation to oppressed cultural groups

So much of what we hear and have been taught about BIPOC people is based in pathology and deficit, this idea informs our thinking and thereby our behavior. With this in mind we present as a leader with a 'savior' posture when we as EL should see ourselves as partners and allies.

Education Resources:

Turning Purpose into Practice:

As partners and Allies we should consider our own 'Informed Best Practices for Engagement' based on the resources,
Name 5 top tips for engaging with marginalized groups.

Be aware of Socio-Political Current Events

Be aware of how socio-political current events affect oppressed people

We do not exist in a bubble. The events that are happening around us affect us all. The how and to what extent is what differs. As EL leaders we cannot bury our heads in the sand or practice willful ignorance. We must stay abreast, even when it is difficult and heartful of what is happening in our society.

Education Resources:

Teaching Ideas and Resources to Help Students Make Sense of the George Floyd Protests

Turning Purpose into Practice:

Think of events in our recent past that have lead to social unrest.
What was your reaction to the unrest, why did you react in that manner?
What information could provide you with a counter narrative?

Understand the Connections

Be aware of how socio-political current events affect oppressed people

As Courageous Equity Leader we can make the connections, bridge the understanding of what is happening now to what happened in the past. This is crucial for stakeholder engagement. We must combat the idea that everything is new and present circumstance have no social, political geneses.

Education Resources:

Turning Purpose into Practice:

Think of your own community, what can you infer about the political, economic and social history that led to the current make up of today.

Once you Complete this section of Compelling Practices. Return to your Cultivating Courage Workbook and continue the Critical Development Stages outlined in the text of:

Critical Reflection
Compelling Commitment
Critical Action

Critical Analysis of Present Inequities

Compelling Practices

Develop an 'Asset Based Mindset

Be aware of Socio-Political Current Events

Understand the Connections

Once you Complete this section of Compelling Practices. Return to your Cultivating Courage Workbook and continue the Critical Development Stages outlined in the text of:

Discussion Board