Anti-Racism Community of Practice

This group began as an intensive cohort in spring 2021. We participated in a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) certification course through the University of South Florida. After that course ended, we shifted to an affinity group that meets every other month.

The group's goal is to support each other in making home repair programs more anti-racist. We discuss DEI with regards to clients, volunteers, staff, and board. The discussion isn't limited only to matters related to race, but also gender, sexual orientation, varying abilites, etc.

In July, Amy Schill (Christian Appalachian Project) will lead a discussion about how to approach clients (homeowners) when unwelcoming symbols (confederate flag, mammy dolls, etc.) are displayed in the home, before a volunteer group arrives: contracts, expectations, and having sensitive conversations (this is their home, not a NASCAR track, but we don't want volunteers to feel unwelcome or get the wrong idea about the homeowner/client or our programs). We'll also talk about how to prepare volunteers for what they might see on the worksite. Come prepared to discuss your organization's practices, challenges, concerns, mistakes, etc.