Why Racial Equity Matters

Centering Racial Equity

We all have a role to play in advancing racial equity and deconstructing inequitable early childhood systems through community systems development.

Kids playing with block while adults watch
Women sitting around a table and talking

Community Systems Statewide Supports’ Goal

Our mission is to work together to build the will, skill, knowledge, and capacity of the community systems development stakeholders to take action toward equity and steps against inequity.

What is Racial Equity?

CS3 defines racial equity as both an outcome and a process.

As an outcome

We achieve racial equity when race no longer determines how one fares in society. Everyone has what they need to thrive, no matter where they live.

As a process

We apply racial equity when those most impacted by structural racial inequity can meaningfully contribute to the creation and implementation of the institutional policies and practices that impact their lives.

When We Achieve Racial Equity:

  • People, including people of color, have what they need to be owners, planners, and decision-makers in the systems that govern their lives.
  • Resources, opportunities, rewards, and burdens are fairly distributed across groups and communities so that those with the greatest challenges receive adequate support and are not further disadvantaged.
  • We acknowledge and account for past and current inequities. All people, particularly those most impacted by racial inequities, have the infrastructure they need to thrive and participate.
  • Systems and policies that affect children and families are consciously designed, reframed, or eliminated in a robust and dynamic process to promote greater justice.
  • Everyone benefits from a more just, equitable system.
Together, we must reimagine and redesign systems that don’t work to ensure children and families, especially those most impacted by racial inequities, have the support and services they want and need.
A Black woman wearing a hijab explaining paperwork to two middle-aged people

Understanding Our History

We must understand how history, policies, practices, and mindsets contribute to the present day as we journey towards creating an equitable society where race no longer determines how one fares. Institutional and systemic racism have contributed to the existing early childhood systems that young children and families navigate.

Together, we must reimagine and redesign systems that don’t work to ensure children and families, especially those most impacted by racial inequities, have the support and services they want and need.

Racial Equity Resources

We’ve provided some resources to help build understanding of racial inequities in community systems. This is not an exhaustive list, rather, a stop on your journey.

While the connection between early childhood and sectors listed in our resources may not be explicit, these sectors influence the lives and day-to-day experiences of young children and families. Therefore, these sectors have a direct impact on early childhood work.

We invite you to explore our reflection questions when viewing any of the resources.

 

EXPLORE RESOURCES

Equity is a Continuous Journey

We recognize that the path to racial equity in community systems has challenges. This includes deep-seated biases and structural barriers. However, we view these challenges as opportunities to innovate, learn, and grow. What drives our work is the belief that through dedicated effort and collaboration, we can make significant progress towards equitable outcomes for all children.