Racial Equity Advancement & Collaborative Hub (REACH)
The murder of George Floyd in 2020 and the summer of unrest put racial inequity at the forefront of American discourse. But in the three years since those events, racial inequity still exists, and yet, as a society, we are paying less and less attention to it. However, the urgency to address racial inequity remains undiminished.
It is in this reality that MAPC introduced the Racial Equity Advancement & Collaborative Hub (REACH). REACH was a 2024 training and peer learning initiative that supported municipal government efforts to create inclusive and equitable municipal environments and actions.
MAPC led the administration and oversight of the program. The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), a nationally recognized expert in racial equity strategies and solutions, designed the curriculum and managed the trainings. Participants had access to training, peer learning, and tools to better prepare municipal teams to address racial disparities within their communities effectively and respectfully.
For more information about the REACH program, please contact Raúl González at RGonzá[email protected].
Program Overview
The REACH program was an initiative designed to promote racial equity within municipal operations through a series of eight in-person, participatory workshops.
These workshops were scheduled on the second Wednesday of each month, from February 14, 2024 to December 11, 2024, and were held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, from 9 AM to 3 PM. GARE led six of these workshops, complemented by two additional sessions facilitated by MAPC.
The program's objectives included fostering enhanced dialogue on equity, informing policy reform, and supporting professional development to dismantle systemic racial disparities within Massachusetts municipalities.
REACH Communities
The REACH program was proud to collaborate with a cohort of eleven municipalities committed to the program:
Acton • Arlington • Framingham • Hamilton • Hudson • Lowell • Lynn
Malden • Milton • Natick • Salem
The REACH program is committed to creating inclusive and equitable communities through sustained collaboration, support, and shared purpose among participating municipalities.
Monthly Sessions Outline
Timeline Image Description: February 14, 2024: Advancing Racial Equity and the Role of Government. March 13, 2024: Communicating Racial Equity. April 10, 2024: Understanding and Applying GARE's Racial Equity Tool. May 8, 2024: Understanding and Applying the Racial Equity Tool II June 12, 2024: Applying the Racial Equity Tool III & Leading with Racial Equity. July 10, 2024: Massachusetts Racial Equity Funding Opportunities and Technical Assistance. September 11, 2024: Success Stories in the Commonwealth - Projects, Policies, and Programs. October 9, 2024: Principles and Practices of Equitable Development in Building Inclusive Communities. December 11, 2024: Closing Event and Celebration of Achievements.
Session Details
Post-Session Summaries
Jump to:
February 14, 2024 | March 13, 2024 | April 10, 2024 | May 8, 2024 | June 12, 2024 | July 10, 2024 |
September 11, 2024 | October 9, 2024 | December 11, 2024
February 14, 2024
REACH February 14, 2024 session
Photo Credit: Raúl González, MAPC
March 13, 2024
Elevating Racial Equity Conversations: Insights from Our Recent Training Session
This training session, led by the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), focused on enhancing our communication skills around racial equity. Key discussions included the deeper meaning and actions behind Land Acknowledgements, introducing the transformative Affirm, Counter, Transform (ACT) Principle for impactful racial equity conversations, and sharing municipal challenges and successes in integrating racial equity principles.
Participants also had the chance to share their own experiences and challenges related to integrating racial equity into their municipal communications strategies. This exchange of stories and strategies underscored the value of a community of practice.
REACH March 13, 2024 session
Photo Credit: Raúl González, MAPC
April 10, 2024
Utilizing the Racial Equity Tool I: Key Takeaways from This Training Session
The REACH teams participated in a workshop led by expert trainers from the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) that provided a critical tool for participants to hone their narrative-building capabilities that emphasize the importance of racial equity in our municipalities. This session focused on the initial steps of utilizing the Racial Equity Toolkit (RET), an essential framework for applying a racial equity lens to municipal decision-making processes.
During this session participants engaged deeply with the first three steps of the RET, which are important in setting the groundwork for creating equitable municipal policies and practices.
Key Aspects Covered in the Session:
- Desired Results: We discussed how to clearly define community-level conditions of well-being that our policies aim to achieve. This step is crucial as it sets the direction for the specific outcomes we hope to realize through our efforts.
- Community Indicators: Participants learned how to identify measurable indicators that help quantify the achievement of these desired results. Emphasis was placed on choosing indicators that can be disaggregated by race or proxies for race, such as geographical data, ensuring that the impacts of policies are understood across different racial groups.
- Data Collection and Analysis: We explored effective methods for gathering and analyzing data to uncover existing racial inequities and understand the root causes behind them. This step is foundational in ensuring that our actions are informed by solid evidence and can effectively address the specific needs of communities of color.
The training also highlighted the importance of setting clear goals and engaging in decision-making processes that maximize benefits and minimize burdens for people and communities of color. Additionally, we discussed mechanisms for successful implementation, evaluation, and accountability of impact, which are essential for the sustainability of racial equity efforts.
REACH April 10, 2024 session
Photo Credit: Kimberlee Archie, GARE
May 8, 2024
Utilizing the Racial Equity Tool II: Perspectives from This Session
The REACH program held a significant training session on May 8th, aimed at enhancing our proficiency in discussing racial equity effectively. This workshop provided a platform for participants to sharpen their narrative-building skills, which are crucial in highlighting the importance of racial equity within our municipalities.
During the session, we focused on Steps 4 to 6 of the Racial Equity Toolkit (RET), which is pivotal in identifying and addressing the root causes of racial inequities. Here’s a brief overview of what we covered:
- Root Cause Analysis: Participants engaged in identifying the underlying causes of observed racial disparities within their municipalities. This involved examining various levels of influence, from individual and institutional behaviors to structural barriers that perpetuate inequality.
- Strategies for Racial Equity: We discussed comprehensive strategies to advance racial equity and mitigate any potential unintended consequences of new policies or programs. Participants brainstormed actions that could be implemented to alleviate the root causes of racial disparities, ensuring that their interventions are both impactful and feasible.
- Organizational Outcomes: The session also helped clarify expected outcomes within participants' organizations, focusing on the changes they aim to bring about through their equity-focused initiatives.
- Unintended Consequences: A significant part of the discussion revolved around anticipating and planning for unintended consequences of proposed changes. This ensures that strategies not only address current issues but also prevent new problems from arising.
- Performance Measures: We explored effective measures to assess the success of implemented strategies. These performance indicators are designed to communicate the effectiveness of actions clearly and compellingly, ensuring they resonate with a broad audience and provide meaningful data to guide future efforts.
We discussed how to develop implementation plans that are realistic, well-resourced, and supported by both internal stakeholders and the broader community. This includes setting up accountability mechanisms to track progress and adjust strategies as needed.
As we reflect on the valuable insights gained from this training, we are reminded of the critical role that effective communication and strategic planning play in advancing racial equity. The skills and knowledge imparted during the session are not just tools for immediate application but are essential for catalyzing long-term change within our municipalities.
We are inspired by the commitment shown by all participants and look forward to seeing the positive impacts of their continued efforts. Together, we are moving closer to realizing our shared goal of a more just and equitable society.
REACH May 8, 2024 session
Photo Credit: Raúl González, MAPC
June 12, 2024
Applying the Racial Equity Tool III & Leading with Racial Equity
This session built upon prior discussions of the Racial Equity Toolkit (RET), emphasizing leadership roles in fostering racial equity within municipalities. Participants engaged in case studies, with municipal leaders showcasing equity strategies and their implementation processes. The session aimed to sharpen leadership competencies such as racial self-awareness and building supportive organizational cultures for racial equity. Participants also reviewed key leadership competencies for driving systemic change, including accountability mechanisms and sustaining a racial equity lens in decision-making.
REACH June 12, 2024 session
Photo Credit: Raúl González, MAPC
July 10, 2024
Massachusetts Racial Equity Funding Opportunities and Technical Assistance
In July, the session highlighted key funding sources available for racial equity initiatives across municipalities, ranging from state grants to philanthropic opportunities. Attendees explored strategies for securing and sustaining funding for equity-driven projects, such as staffing, community engagement, and data analysis. Through panel discussions, municipalities shared successful models of restructuring funding processes to integrate racial equity principles. A hands-on workshop provided steps for securing funding to support long-term equity initiatives.
REACH July 10, 2024 session
Photo Credit: Raúl González, MAPC
September 11, 2024
Success Stories in the Commonwealth – Projects, Policies, and Programs
The September session brought forward inspiring case studies of successful racial equity projects across Massachusetts. Presenters highlighted challenges and best practices for implementing policies aimed at reducing racial disparities. Attendees participated in interactive discussions, sharing their own experiences and examining how lessons learned could advance racial equity goals in their communities. Breakout sessions facilitated deeper dives into leadership engagement, community collaboration, and resource generation.
REACH September 11, 2024 session
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October 9, 2024
Principles and Practices of Equitable Development in Building Inclusive Communities
October’s session centered on equitable development, focusing on creating inclusive communities through urban planning and policy-making that prioritizes marginalized groups. The session provided actionable strategies for incorporating equity into municipal projects, such as affordable housing and transportation access. Discussions included how to operationalize racial equity by building leadership accountability, fostering cultural transformation, and using racial equity tools to guide development initiatives.
REACH October 9, 2024 session
Photo Credit: Raúl González, MAPC
December 11, 2024
Reflecting, Celebrating, and Sustaining Racial Equity Work
The final REACH session brought participants together to reflect on their journey, celebrate achievements, and plan for sustaining racial equity efforts in their communities. The session recapped key insights from previous workshops and highlighted success stories shared by municipalities. Participants engaged in group discussions and activities to identify next steps for applying the Racial Equity Toolkit (RET), fostering accountability, and embedding equity principles into their organizational cultures. A collaborative exercise helped teams outline strategies for maintaining momentum and addressing potential challenges in advancing racial equity beyond the program.
REACH December 11, 2024 session
Photo Credit: GARE