Racial and Social Justice/Cultural Humility - Nov 2021
The practice of Cultural Humility continues to be at the core of the work at Children's Institute (CI). Our Cultural Humility Workgroup continues its work on the strategic actions and has completed an internal environment scan to assess organizational readiness for racial justice and in equity work at CI. The scan was implemented using affinity groups listening sessions, with responses captured through the use of Jam-boards. The facilitators of the affinity groups were consultants hired and the tech support were CI staff.
Commitments to action
CI has also signed on to and is engaged in several initiatives this quarter that addresses organizational readiness and engagement in anti-racism, inclusivity, and equity. Earl Greene, Director of Family Engagement and Equity at CI, has taken the lead in these efforts with the engagement of the CI team. The following initiatives include: The Urban League of Rochester “Interrupt Racism” Cohort; UWGR TIC/RE - United Way of Greater Rochester ‘Trauma-Informed Care with a Racial Equity Lens”; ROC the Future’s WIG - Wildly Important Goals – family engagement and equity. Each of these initiatives will further enhance CI’s effectiveness in the area of racial equity and engagement.
Children’s Institute has recently signed on to the following actions/initiatives:
| Action/Initiative | Lead Organization | Intention | Date |
| Level Up Champion | RMAPI | A Level Up Champion is an employer that has taken the first step toward wage equity by instituting a $15/hour or higher starting wage within their organization. | September 2021 |
| Parent Engagement WIG (Wildly Important Goals) | ROC the Future | Between now and June 2022, ROC the Future will ensure that partner organizations engage at least 6,000 families to:
| August 2021 |
| Trauma-Informed Care through Lens of Equity | United Way of Greater Rochester and CCSI | To strengthen and create an infrastructure that supports the ongoing transformation of practice that is equity-focused and trauma-informed. | July 2021 |
| Interrupt Racism Cohort | Urban League of Rochester | Interrupt Racism is an initiative intended for local businesses and organizations ready to do just that: Interrupt and dismantle systemic racism. Interrupt Racism cohort uses a collective impact model to build bridges and share knowledge between our community’s leaders. | May 2021 |
In addition, our work continues with providing consultation and training for Behavioral Supports for Children, RECAP, and RSCD on equity. Earl Greene has provided a six-part Cultural Humility Series Professional Development (PD) for RSCD RECAP (March-May); PD for RSCD Parent Liaisons/Home School Assistants Session on “Cultural Humility and Advocacy for Students, Families and Themselves” (August 23rd); and for RSCD Schools # 42 and #46 PD on “Cultural Humility: Individual Practice and Organizational Implementation” (September 2nd). Earl also provided the keynote address at the University of Missouri’s Prevention Conference, Springfield, MO, on “Cultural Humility vs. Cultural Competence: Do You Know Me?” (June). In addition, Earl is a committee member of the NYAEYC (New York Association for the Education of Young Children)’s ‘Courageous Conversations’ with a DEI Lens initiative, addressing early childhood education.
Staff also participate in the Greater Rochester Health Foundation’s Healthy and Equitable Futures learning collaborative along with three parent leaders to build greater understanding of equity and center parent voice and leadership in our work. Lastly, the Whole Child Connection team began offering a social and emotional learning and equity media study for the community as an opportunity for individuals to come together to discuss and learn about the intersection between SEL and equity.
