Equity Challenge
How it Works
This Equity Challenge is an opportunity to discover how issues of race and privilege impact our community and everyday lives—whether we realize it or not. The goal is to build long-term habits that empower you to take action in the fight for social justice.
You’ll start each day with a new theme and a selection of related articles, podcasts, videos, and more to choose from. There will also be occasions when you will be encouraged to focus on personal reflection or engage with organizations in your community.
By committing to the challenge, participating in the activities, and connecting with one another, together we’ll be better equipped to identify inequity and take action to dismantle racism and all other forms of discrimination.
5-Day Challenge - The 5-Day Equity Challenge was built to introduce people to some basic concepts of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion by offering daily content options in the form of video, articles, podcasts, and more.
21-Day Challenge - This version of the Equity Challenge is designed to take participants through a state and local level exploration of the history and impacts of racism and how it has shaped the lives of people in our community.
NEW - Starting November 1 - 10-Day Challenge This abbreviated version of the Equity Challenge is designed to take participants through a state and local level exploration of the history and impacts of racism and how it has shaped the lives of people in our community.
GEt Involved
It’s completely free to participate and everything you need is delivered to your inbox.
Commit to the challenge:
Sign up to receive daily emails from Heart of West Michigan
Start each day of the challenge by reading the introduction
Explore the topic in depth using the options provided
Stay engaged:
Capture your daily reflections and actions using our activity log
Download 5-Day Log Here
Download 10-Day Log Here
Download 21-Day Log HereExplore this work with friends and family, or organization-wide. Click here to download our discussion guide
Share the challenge with your family and friends, or use it as an educational tool at your business/organization
Connect with local agencies and organizations who work to solve inequities
Find volunteer opportunities, community events, and more by following us on Facebook
SOCIAL POSTS
I’m taking the Equity Challenge through @HWMUW. Learn more: www.hwmuw.org/equity-challenge
Today, I learned (fill in the blank). Take the Equity Challenge through @HWMUW: www.hwmuw.org/equity-challenge
Check out this (podcast/article/video/etc.) from the Equity Challenge with @HWMUW: LINK TO RESOURCE. Accept the challenge at www.hwmuw.org/equity-challenge
Companies
If your company would like to participate in a 5-Day or 21-Day Challenge, reach out to your United Way account manager at any time to explore options that fit your needs. We can facilitate the Challenge on your behalf, or we can provide materials for your company representative to use and send to your employees.
If your company does not currently run a campaign or make a corporate gift, your employees can sign up for the challenge through our website. If you would like information about running a campaign, please contact your account manager.
History
In 2014, Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. and Debby Irving created the 21-Day Equity Challenge as a way to educate people on the issues surrounding equity and inclusion, as well as encourage others to develop anti-racist behaviors and ways of thinking. That same year, Food Solutions New England in Durham, NH first implemented the challenge. Their mission is to “unite the food system community around a shared set of values—democratic empowerment, racial equity and dignity for all, sustainability, and trust.”
Since then, many people and organizations have created their own adaptations to inspire action and change in their communities. In fact, United Way of Washtenaw County here in Michigan was the first to introduce the challenge to United Way. We’re proud to join them by adding local information for West Michigan.