Last week, the Partnership hosted its first Leading for Equity Retreat, facilitated by OpenSource Leadership Strategies. This 2-day retreat brought together local leaders, community partners, Partnership Board members, and staff for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about racial equity in Durham.
The retreat considered the following key issues:
The facilitators began by exploring the history of racial inequity in the U.S. and specifically in Durham. Then, through presentations, group discussions, role-playing, diagrams, and other interactions, they helped the attendees take an in-depth look at the retreat’s key issues and consider how to address them both as individuals and as a community. The focus throughout the retreat on how this work can impact the children and families we all serve made it a powerful experience for everyone involved.
This opportunity was made possible by the North Carolina Partnership for Children through North Carolina’s Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant and contract with the U.S. Department of Education. Over the past several years, approximately one-third of all Smart Start Partnerships throughout the state have participated in racial equity trainings facilitated by OpenSource.
The Partnership plans to offer this retreat again in the spring. For more information about this and other trainings, please contact Paulette Stephens.
