Engaged and Inclusive: Institutional Approaches to Racial Equity and Social Justice
Friday, April 8, 2016, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, Room 707/709/711
In many communities, libraries seek to address staggering racial disparities and create more inclusive public spaces. Madison (Wis.) Public Library is working with local government to establish racial equity and social justice as core principles in all decisions, policies, and services. Learn about a model that focuses on dismantling structural barriers to equity through both an “equity impact tool” and participation on Neighborhood Resource Teams (action groups that support communities in identifying and addressing community needs).
At the end of this session, participants will:
1: Gain a better understanding of core principles of equity, individual bias, and institutional/structural racism and reexamine professional values related to equality and fairness in the context of these principles. 2: Learn about specific approaches for long-term equity and engagement at the community level and opportunities to ally the efforts of libraries with those of local and regional government. 3: Become familiar with the different approaches libraries are taking to address racial disparities and promote social integration and cohesion.
The session organizer(s) identified this session as appropriate for:
Level 2: People with some knowledge, who want to increase their understanding.
This session will have: High interaction: facilitated discussion; small group discussion; hands-on activity
Handouts: Download 1 Download 2
Track: Collaborate
Tags: Leadership, Civic Engagement, Diversity, Equity of Access, Organizational Change, Social Change
Presenters
Sarah Lawton, Neighborhood Library Supervisor
Madison Public Library, Madison, WI
Sarah Lawton has worked for public libraries in Colorado, Vermont and Wisconsin. A 2009 ALA Emerging Leader, Sarah's recent work focuses on collaborating with diverse communities, community organizations and local government agencies to foster greater social cohesion and promote equitable access to opportunity.
Tariq Saqqaf, Neighborhood Resource Coordinator
City of Madison, Office of the Mayor, Madison, WI
Since 2012, Tariq Saqqaf has brought a strong emphasis on fostering community leadership to his position as the City of Madison's Neighborhood Resource Coordinator. He is a natural facilitator and his broad experience in community organizing, racial equity and workforce development help him to support both residents and city employees. He is a founding member of the leadership team for the City of Madison's Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative.