CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – United Way of the Coastal Bend is hosting a free, virtual Real Talk workshop to engage the public in positive and meaningful discussion on equity.
The two-part virtual workshop series, "Equity in Early Childhood: Developing a Shared Vision and Community Purpose," emphasizes individual and collective healing from the trauma of racism and white supremacy. Participants will engage in difficult discussions regarding racism and work to identify ways to move forward together to achieve equity and justice in their organizations and communities.
“There’s no question that race and equity are important issues in civic discussion,” said Libby Averyt, President and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Bend. “We need to be self-reflective and not shy away from topics like white supremacy, racism and privilege. Though it may be uncomfortable, talking about these issues is a step in the right direction toward finding solutions.”
The virtual workshops will be led by the Educational Equity Institute, whose mission is to create paths toward racial healing through authentic engagement and relationships that empower communities to engage in disruptive transformation of the educational system.
The first workshop will take place on Thursday, May 6. The workshops are free, though advance registration is required. The event is one of many Real Talk workshops made available through United Way of the Coastal Bend's Success By 6 Early Childhood Initiative.
"The goal of Success by 6 is to ensure every child in the Coastal Bend is safe, healthy, and ready to learn," said Sherry Peterson, Success By 6 Director for United Way of the Coastal Bend. "Our Real Talk workshops provide opportunities for the community to engage in "learning conversations" about difficult topics that can negatively impact families and children."
For more information about the virtual event, visit www.uwcb.org/real-talk-equity-early-childhood or see our Facebook event. To learn more about United Way of the Coastal Bend and Success By 6, visit www.uwcb.org.