How do you integrate equity and inclusion principles into your policy and systems change work?

Policy and systems change can be powerful tools for community organizing, but they also pose challenges and risks for equity and inclusion. How do you ensure that your policy and systems change work is aligned with the values and needs of the communities you serve, and that you do not reinforce or create new forms of oppression and marginalization? In this article, we will explore some principles and practices that can help you integrate equity and inclusion into your policy and systems change work.

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1 Define your goals and values

Before you embark on any policy and systems change initiative, you need to clarify your goals and values. What are you trying to achieve, and why? Who are the beneficiaries and stakeholders of your policy and systems change work, and how do they relate to your mission and vision? How do you define equity and inclusion, and how do they inform your policy and systems change work? By defining your goals and values, you can establish a clear and consistent framework for your policy and systems change work, and avoid potential conflicts or contradictions.

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Irlanda Ruiz, J.D., M.E.d.

Storyteller, Creative Writer, Advocate , Hispanic Liaison & Connector
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Defining your goals and values regarding equity and inclusion is crucial because it ensures that equal opportunities are provided to all individuals, regardless of their background. This means guaranteeing equitable access to opportunities and evaluating individuals solely based on qualifications and skills. Addressing discrimination becomes a priority. Recognizing that there's always room for improvement. By understanding that people's identities intersect and considering these complexities, policies can be more inclusive and effective in combating discrimination. Lastly, recognizing that inclusion it's about genuinely appreciating the richness that diversity brings to decision-making processes.

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2 Engage and empower the community

Policy and systems change work cannot be done in isolation or from a top-down perspective. You need to engage and empower the community you are working with and for, and ensure that they have a meaningful voice and role in your policy and systems change work. This means listening to their needs, concerns, and aspirations, involving them in decision-making and implementation, and supporting their leadership and capacity. By engaging and empowering the community, you can build trust and legitimacy, foster ownership and accountability, and leverage their knowledge and experience.

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Irlanda Ruiz, J.D., M.E.d.

Storyteller, Creative Writer, Advocate , Hispanic Liaison & Connector
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One crucial lesson I've gleaned is that the endeavor of policy and systems change cannot be pursued in isolation or through a top-down approach. To effect meaningful change, it's imperative to engage and empower the community being served. Their involvement ensures that their voices are heard and that their needs and concerns are addressed authentically. To truly understand the community and its intricacies, one must be immersed within it. This means actively participating, listening, and learning from community members. It requires humility and a willingness to serve as a leader, recognizing and valuing the experiences and knowledge within the community.

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3 Assess and address the impacts

Policy and systems change work can have intended and unintended impacts, both positive and negative, on different groups and individuals. You need to assess and address the impacts of your policy and systems change work, and ensure that they are equitable and inclusive. This means conducting impact assessments, monitoring and evaluation, and feedback mechanisms, and using data and evidence to inform your policy and systems change work. By assessing and addressing the impacts, you can identify and mitigate any harms or gaps, enhance the benefits and opportunities, and adjust and improve your policy and systems change work.

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4 Collaborate and coordinate

Policy and systems change work can be complex and multifaceted, requiring the involvement and cooperation of multiple actors and sectors. You need to collaborate and coordinate with other organizations and institutions that share your goals and values, and that have complementary or overlapping roles and responsibilities in your policy and systems change work. This means building relationships and networks, establishing common agendas and strategies, and aligning resources and actions. By collaborating and coordinating, you can leverage the collective power and influence, avoid duplication or fragmentation, and create synergies and efficiencies.

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Irlanda Ruiz, J.D., M.E.d.

Storyteller, Creative Writer, Advocate , Hispanic Liaison & Connector
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A true leader recognizes the immense value of collaboration. When we collaborate, we tap into a collective force greater than ourselves. It's about seeking out organizations that share our mission and values, and together, amplifying our impact. Collaboration is about building genuine relationships with partners who share our objectives. Through strategic design, we leverage each other's strengths, share resources, knowledge, tools, and expertise. Collaboration eliminates redundancies, allowing us to focus our efforts where they are most needed. Moreover, collaborators often become advocates, amplifying our voices, and extending our reach. Together, we achieve more than we could ever accomplish alone.

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5 Learn and adapt

Policy and systems change work can be dynamic and uncertain, requiring constant learning and adaptation. You need to learn from your successes and failures, and from the experiences and insights of others, and adapt your policy and systems change work accordingly. This means creating a culture of learning and innovation, fostering reflection and feedback, and embracing change and uncertainty. By learning and adapting, you can enhance your effectiveness and relevance, respond to changing contexts and needs, and innovate and experiment.

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6 Communicate and advocate

Policy and systems change work can be challenging and contested, requiring effective communication and advocacy. You need to communicate and advocate for your policy and systems change work, and for the equity and inclusion principles that underpin it. This means crafting clear and compelling messages, targeting relevant and influential audiences, and using appropriate and diverse channels. By communicating and advocating, you can raise awareness and understanding, build support and allies, and influence attitudes and behaviors.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you integrate equity and inclusion principles into your policy and systems change work?

1

2

3

4

5

6

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1 Define your goals and values

2 Engage and empower the community

3 Assess and address the impacts

4 Collaborate and coordinate

5 Learn and adapt

6 Communicate and advocate

7 Here’s what else to consider

Community Organizing

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How do you integrate equity and inclusion principles into your policy and systems change work?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define your goals and values

2 Engage and empower the community

3 Assess and address the impacts

4 Collaborate and coordinate

5 Learn and adapt

6 Communicate and advocate

7 Here’s what else to consider

Community Organizing

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