OUR BELIEF

Everyone deserves to live in a society where they feel safe, respected and protected. We don’t have all the answers right now, but what we do know is that we can help be part of the solution. Our goal is to listen and learn what it truly means to build and nurture a place of genuine inclusion and belonging, and be clear-eyed about what we need to commit to in order to move forward in a meaningful way.

OUR PRACTICE

Central to our mission is the principle that Greater Houston’s well-being depends on the well-being of each person in our community. We stand united with each of you to serve that principle, serve each other, and serve our community every day. 

TIMELY VIDEO	Josh Reid Jones,  Just Be Nice Project
BOOK REVIEW	“A valuable guide . . . While especially helpful for those new to the critical analysis of whiteness, this work also offers a useful refresher to anyone committed to the ongoing process of self-assessment and anti-oppression work.” Library Journal
WORTH READING	Risks for the Future We Want  by Mekaelia Davis Stanford Social Innovation Review (July 23, 2020) Philanthropists must learn from protesters and reimagine the formula for making change on racial justice.
COMMENTARY	Diversity and Inclusion Efforts that Really Work David Pedulla HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW May 12, 2020 Why do so many programs designed to increase diversity, equity and inclusion often fail?  What actually works?  Author David Pedulla acknowledges that there is no magic solution.   In this article, he shares key insights that can serve as genuine engines of change.  He highlights promising practices that can serve as tools for those hoping to build vibrant and diverse workplaces..

Articles

Black Lives Matter: Why forming 'diversity'​ committees with Black staff, who have no expertise in D&I or Anti-Racism, is tokenising.
Nonprofit Executives and the Racial Leadership Gap: A Race to Lead Brief
Ideas Arrangements Effects: Systems Design and Social Justice - Lori Lobenstine, Kenneth Bailey, and Ayako Maruyama

Blogs

When Words Are not Enough:  How the Social Sector Can Take Action Against Racism
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Nonprofit Bylaws
Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Matter for Nonprofits - National Council of Nonprofits

Research

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 2020 Annual Report - Ford Foundation
Why Diversity and Inclusion Matter:  Quick Take - Catalyst

Training & Events

Becoming Anti-Racist - Washington University School of Medicine at St. Louis

Upswell Conference. October 14-16, 2020. 

No matter your mission, one thing is true for all of us: we can’t go back to the way things were. 2020 has fundamentally unsettled us, calling into question how we live, who we see, and what we value. As changemakers, we now have an extraordinary opportunity to propose — and collectively engineer — a future that doesn’t just help our communities survive, but instead reimagines society so that every person can thrive.

Consider this your invitation to help design the next normal. Visit upswell.org

Equity Guide For Nonprofit Technology
NTEN is an organization that supports organizations by convening the nonprofit community, offering professional credentials and training, and facilitating community skill and resource sharing.  Toward this end, NTEN has created THE EQUITY GUIDE FOR NONPROFIT TECHNOLOGY. The guide is divided into three sections reflecting different nonprofit technology categories and contains a wealth of thought-provoking information.

• Using technology within nonprofit organizations to further equity for staff and communities
• Funding nonprofit technology to ensure successful, sustainable projects and encourage bold experimentation
• Creating and implementing technology for nonprofits that disrupts the nonprofit corporate model and recognizes the nonprofit sector’s uniqueness

To learn more about using the guide, you can register for NTEN’s upcoming webinar,  Equity and Nonprofit Tech: Guidelines for Use, Funding, and Creation, on Thursday, October 29, 2020, 11:00 am PDT.

Videos

Just Be Nice Project -Josh Reid Jones 
The Danger of a Single Story - Chimamamda Ngozi Adichie
Not all superheros wear capes-how you have the power to change the world with Nova Reid -TEDxFrankfurt
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah 
Watch Her Work  - Denise Hamilton

Websites

The National Museum of African American History and Culture – Talking About Race
#8 Can't Wait
National Diversity Council

Speakers

Sonya Ware, Blue Beagle Consulting
Denise Hamilton, Watch Her Work

Books

The New Jim Crow by Miclelle Alexander
White Fragility by Robin diangelo
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting together in the Cafeteria? By Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D.
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

Nonprofit Board Diversity Resources

Tip Sheet for Candid Conversations about Board Governance – Independence Sector
Beyond Political Correctness:  Building a Diverse and Inclusive Board
Taking Action on Board Diversity:  Five Questions to Get You Started – BoardSource