ANN ARBOR – United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) invites the community to once again participate in a 21-Day Equity Challenge to build our collective’s awareness on the ways that bias, prejudice, privilege, and oppression show up in our work and lives. UWWC has a vision that by 2030, your zip code will no longer predict your opportunity in life. At present in Washtenaw County, it does. This year’s Challenge will launch on Juneteenth (June 19, 2021), in recognition of the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States.
“Our previous Equity Challenges have brought more than 8,000 people together to uncover biases, learn about structural racism and how to take action to build a more equitable community,” notes Pam Smith, President and CEO of UWWC. “We appreciate Toyota recognizing the importance of this work and helping to mobilize our community around it.”
This self-guided learning journey will take place consecutively from June 19 – July 9. The Challenge examines the history and impacts of racism and how it shapes people’s lived experience in Washtenaw County.
Registration for the Challenge opened May 10.
About the Equity Challenge:
● The Equity Challenge is a commitment to devote 10-15 minutes a day for 21 days to learn about the history and impacts of racism in Washtenaw County and the different ways that bias, prejudice, privilege, and oppression show up in our everyday lives.
● Explore this work on your own, with friends and family, or organization-wide. A discussion guide will be available prior to the Challenge
● Share your reflections and “a-ha” moments using the hashtags #unitedforequity, #equitychampions, #uwwcequitychallenge.
● Your participation in this challenge is 100% private, free and anonymous.
● All participants will have the opportunity to engage in community conversations during the Challenge, facilitated by Nonprofit Enterprise at Work.
Visit our website at uwgive.org/equity to learn more about the challenge and review the topics.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY
As part of our 100-year history, the United Way of Washtenaw County brings people, organizations and resources together to create a thriving community for everyone. We focus on Education, Financial Stability and Health, the building blocks for a good quality of life. Our Volunteer Center provides an easy, online way for people to connect with nonprofits in the community and our 2-1-1 helpline refers more than 8,000 people annually to critically needed services. To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit uwgive.org
