Elbows Up AND Sleeves Rolled: Prioritizing Equity Practices
- Chanel Grenaway
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
As we find ourselves in the middle of 2025, now is an opportune moment to refocus and get back on track with our equity practices. As a leader in the sector, addressing equity is not just about responding to immediate or internal challenges, but about demonstrating equity behaviours, and laying a sustainable foundation for change.
Alice Walker's powerful words, "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any" reminds us that we do have agency, we do have power and we can contribute to shaping more inclusive and equitable work places, board tables and communities.
What does getting back on track mean to you? Below are some ideas that might help you get started:
Equity is a skill: Start by filling in any knowledge or learning gaps related to gender and racial equity. Language, concepts and frameworks are evolving, what refresher course, workshops or conversations can help you and your team?
Relationships are key: Take time to deepen your understanding of the experiences of groups facing systemic barriers. This might involve listening to personal stories, attending events or engaging in dialogues.
Seek feedback: Actively seek feedback from the communities you serve. This feedback is invaluable in identifying areas of improvement and understanding how your actions impact those around you. It also demonstrates a commitment to listening and adapting.
Review your processes with an equity lens: Reassess areas like recruitment, retention, compensation, governance, and program design through the lens of equity. Ask critical questions about anti-racism, equity and inclusivity, and be open to making necessary changes.
Collective action accelerates change: Identify both individual and collective ways to enhance equity practices. Collaboration amplifies impact, and working together can lead to more significant change.
Chanel Grenaway & Associates Inc. is committed to helping leaders, staff teams and boards align with their anti-racism and inclusion goals through continuous learning and practice change. Do you need support to start or accelerate your equity practice and outcomes? Happy to hop on a call with you to see how I might help. Let’s chat.
