EQUITY INNOVATION CENTER

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YMCA of Greater Houston statement in response to the violence towards the Asian and Pacific Islander community

A Space To Spark Change.

The YMCA of Greater Houston’s Equity Innovation Center is a space for members of the community to learn, lead, organize, advocate and connect with intention and a shared focus on advancing equity and undoing institutional racism.

Change Starts With Education

We all hear words like systemic racism and equity, but do you really know what they mean? Understanding each other’s language is the first step to understanding different perspectives.

Terms To Know

Microagression /mai·krow·uh·greh·shn/

A comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group.

Marginalization /maar·juh·nuh·luh·zei·shn/

The process in which individuals are blocked from (or denied full access to) various rights, opportunities and resources that are normally available to members of a different group, and which are fundamental to social integration and observance of human rights within that particular group.

Implicit Bias /ihm·pli·sit bai·uhs/

A prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another usually in a way that’s considered to be unfair. Biases may be held by an individual, group, or institution.

Explicit Bias /ik-splis-it bai·uhs/

The attitudes and beliefs you have about a person or group on a conscious level. Most of the time, these biases and their expression arise as the direct result of a perceived threat.

Social Justice /sow·shl juh·stuhs/

Fair and just relations between an individual and society, measured by the distribution of wealth, opportunities for personal activity, and privileges within a society.

Equity /ek·wi·tee/

Freedom from bias, favoritism, or privilege.

Racism /rei·suh·zm/

Beliefs that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.

Systemic Racism /suh·steh·muhk rei·suh·zm/

Includes the policies and practices entrenched in established institutions, which result in the exclusion or promotion of designated groups.

Black Lives Matter /blak liv·z ma·tr/

An international human rights movement, originating in the African-American community, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism toward Black people.

Ally /AL·eye/

Takes action and challenges the status quo.

Community Reflections

“This experience boosted my courage to be able to act or confront racism in my personal life.”

“The past year has felt so isolating and has, in some ways, forced us to stay in our bubbles and grow in apathy, anger, depression, etc. – but the EIC allows us to come together, communicate, and learn so that we can once again be filled with hope, recognize the humanity of each person, shed those negative emotions, and leave empowered to continue to fight the good fight for all of us.”

“The EIC provides a space to challenge ourselves and each other to learn about the intricate nuances of our identities and life experiences.”

“This was my first experience with the EIC and I was impressed. The diverse viewpoints, energy and passion was exciting to hear within a safe space where all ideas and thoughts are welcome. Thank you so much for this!”

“The content was true, powerful and educative. And demonstrates the YMCA is an organization that is actively against racism and discrimination.”

JOIN THE SOLUTION AND SHARE YOUR STORY

6 Ways to Be the Change

FOR RACIAL EQUITY IN THE WORKPLACE NOW

TAKE THE HARVARD IMPLICIT ASSOCIATION RACE TEST

Where are you on your anti-racist journey? Find out here.
Take the Test >

READ, LISTEN, AND LEARN

Read, review, blog or listen to a podcast. Learn new perspectives that may be positively life altering.

HAVE AN HONEST DISCUSSION

We invite non-people of color to take an honest look at your staff and colleagues and start a conversation. It may be uncomfortable, but change never is comfortable.

SHARE YOUR STORIES

We invite everyone to share the story of your lived experiences. We can start creating and cultivating safe and brave spaces to share with each other and begin to have crucial conversations.

SPEAK UP & OUT

Speak up and out about an injustice or uncomfortable situation as it happens. Allies and advocates need to support others so they will know they are not alone.

JOIN AN ERG

YMCA of Greater Houston ERG’s are committed to creating safe and brave spaces for employees and volunteers to feel known, seen, and heard while empower themselves with each other.
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