In the last year, attacks on equity—from the Supreme Court to state legislatures—have gained momentum. One need look no further than our nation’s college campuses to see how leaders are executing an organized, systematic takedown of longstanding equity programs. The anti-DEI machine threatens to disrupt all corners of American society.
We have made too much progress to turn back now. As we celebrate the legacy of Black excellence in America, we cannot forget the transformational contributions African Americans have made to create a more equitable country. We must meet this oppression with a plan of our own. This is not the time to wither for fear of retaliation. We must turn our attention to a grassroots approach.
At Ichor, we know local communities are the pathway to progress. Only there can we understand barriers to access and build connections required for lasting solutions. By working in communities, we can harness this power to turn back the efforts to undermine equity and inclusivity.
Building Trust
With a mission to bridge gaps between communities and institutions, Ichor was made for moments like this. We know the economic, social, and political power that lies within historically marginalized populations.
From our position on the ground in more than 70 U.S. cities, we talk to folks to learn their needs and identify roadblocks. Authentic connection is critical for overcoming decades of mistrust of those in power, be it government officials or large corporations. Our data provides invaluable insights needed to embed equity within organizations and the communities that rely on them.
Community Engagement Done Right
But make no mistake, insights are only as valuable as the strategies they inform. Sustained equity won’t be achieved by solely depending on a three-person DEI department. So, what must companies and institutions do to integrate equity into their everyday activity and continue to grow?
Organizations of all kinds – corporations, government, nonprofits – function based on how it was done yesterday. Innovations may revolutionize tactics, but operational strategy rarely changes. Leaders must consider who guides the strategy, largest growth markets, and how data is used to inform their planning.
Ignoring the needs of marginalized communities is bad for business. Leaders must dispense with superficial pronouncements about inclusivity and, instead, prioritize tangible action on the ground. Often, this starts with identifying stakeholders who can speak to local needs and highlight problems that have gone unnoticed. Whether it’s helping a bank build authentic, long-term community relationships in target markets, or assisting a healthcare company in identifying barriers to vaccine access, meaningful action happens on the ground.
Strong corporate-community partnerships create the foundation for mutually beneficial outcomes and are critical for lasting change.
The Antidote
Progress is not about companies ticking a box. It is about nurturing a symbiotic relationship, borne out of actively listening to the historically unheard and ignored, that aligns with the values of the organization and the neighborhoods in which they seek to operate.
This is not the time to turn back the clock. Rather, it is time to propel progress and ensure that organizations continue to reflect the dynamic world we live in. It is a call to action, a commitment to proactively shape a future where equity is not just a goal but a reality. We are building a foundation for lasting change that transcends DEI programs and becomes an integral part of corporate and civic culture.
Together, we can continue this transformative journey, knowing that bold actions in the past made progress possible, and new leadership today will take that progress farther.