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How We Work

Theory of Change

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Inputs

Diverse stakeholders 

Expertise in facilitation and community engagement

Resources for convening and curating spaces

Access to policymakers and decision-makers

Community-driven public policy agenda

Philanthropic support

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Processes

Convening

Curation of Racial Healing Spaces

Community Activation

Public policy Advocacy

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Outputs

Increased collaboration and mobilization of resources within the community

Greater awareness and understanding of racial divisions and injustices.

Enhanced community engagement and participation in advocacy efforts

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Outcomes

Strengthened relationships and networks among diverse stakeholders.

Increased capacity for community-driven initiatives and leadership

Heightened sense of empathy and solidarity across the community

Policymakers introduce and pass legislation supporting community-driven initiatives.

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Impact

Sustainable, community-led initiatives addressing local challenges.

Reduction in racial disparities and injustices

Inclusive decision-making processes that reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of the community

Take Action

Get Involved

Help make a tangible difference in the lives of Kalamazoo residents through collective action, advocacy, and collaboration by joining our dynamic and action-oriented community.

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Racial Healing Circle Interest

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Racial Healing Practitioner Interest

What is Transformation?

Racial healing is at the heart of racial equity. Racial healing is about:

  • the people work that leads to the transformation of systems;
  • the telling of hard truths about past wrongs and present consequences;
  • repairing the harm of racism;
  • replacing the deeply held system that fuels racism with one that sees the inherent value of all people;
  • authentic relationship-building across real and perceived differences.

 

Without racial healing and building trust, changes in policies or practices are short-lived. Through healing and relationship-building, we can collectively develop new values that affect our everyday decisions in areas of policy making, hiring, education and housing – to name just a few.

What is Civic Health?

Racial healing is at the heart of racial equity. Racial healing is about:

  • the people work that leads to the transformation of systems;
  • the telling of hard truths about past wrongs and present consequences;
  • repairing the harm of racism;
  • replacing the deeply held system that fuels racism with one that sees the inherent value of all people;
  • authentic relationship-building across real and perceived differences.

 

Without racial healing and building trust, changes in policies or practices are short-lived. Through healing and relationship-building, we can collectively develop new values that affect our everyday decisions in areas of policy making, hiring, education and housing – to name just a few.

What is Racial Healing?

Racial healing refers to the process of addressing and repairing the harm caused by racial injustice, discrimination, and systemic oppression.

It involves acknowledging historical and present-day injustices, fostering understanding and empathy across racial divides, and promoting reconciliation, healing, and solidarity among individuals and communities.

Racial healing recognizes the deep-seated trauma and intergenerational impact of racism on individuals, families, and society as a whole, and seeks to create spaces for healing, dialogue, and transformative change.

It encompasses personal, interpersonal, and systemic dimensions, and involves both individual reflection and collective action to address the root causes of racial inequity and promote equity, justice, and belonging for all.

Racial healing is a proactive and ongoing process that requires commitment, compassion, and collaboration from individuals, communities, institutions, and society at large.