It’s back by popular demand…for the third time, no less…as United Way of Southwest Michigan brings back their 21-Day Equity Challenge in honor of Juneteenth.
Following the success of its first two 21-Day Equity Challenges that were offered in January 2021 and September 2020, United Way is relaunching the interactive digital program, starting on June 14th, for individuals to deepen their understanding of and willingness to confront racism. The third Challenge commemorates Juneteenth (June 19th), a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States.
United Way organizers say they are proud to once again give the community the opportunity to take the self-guided journey to learn about the history and impacts of racism and how it has shaped the lives of people in Southwest Michigan while inspiring participants with resources and tools to build racial equity in their work and lives.
As in the past, people from all over Southwest Michigan will participate in the Equity Challenge to raise awareness, shift attitudes, and change outcomes.
At the launch of the first Equity Challenge, United Way President and CEO Anna Murphy said, “As an organization, we are committed to understanding and undoing racism in our community. By taking the Challenge, made up of small daily email prompts delivered each morning, we can all easily participate in this transformative effort.”
To join the challenge, simply visit http://uwsm.org and sign up with your email address.
This third Challenge coincides with United Way Worldwide’s “Live United Initiative,” a 45-day effort, which started on June 1st, that’s designed to help strengthen the United Way network around its common message and digital engagement experience. It’s intended to help everyone “Live United” and support communities.
What happens during the challenge?
For 21 days, participants receive an email prompt with a short reading or video or audio file. Participants are encouraged to take about 10-15 minutes each day considering the material in the prompt. Extra resources are provided in case they want to dig further into the day’s topic.
The daily prompts will explore many different facets of racism and how they intersect with other social and economic issues, as well as provide guidance on building a race equity culture and becoming an ally. The prompts also offer tools for the racial equity change process and ways to take action in our community.
Explore the work on your own, with friends and family, or as an organization.
How did the challenge start?
The recent release of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and Black Households Data clearly illustrates the inequities that are deeply rooted in our national, state, and local systems and institutions.
United Way of Washtenaw County successfully issued the Equity Challenge, engaging over 5,000 participants in January of 2020. The Michigan Association of United Ways adapted the challenge with the support of leaders across the Michigan United Way network, and now United Ways across the state are following their lead.
