“Treating different things the same can generate as much inequality as treating the same things differently.” -Kimberlé Crenshaw
When have you had to notice difference in order to be equitable?
Starting Line
Equity means recognizing that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and make adjustments to imbalances.
How have you experienced making adjustments for systemic imbalances?
Not Off the Hook
“Even if you are a person who wants to say, “Well, I didn’t participate in making things this way,” if you are benefiting from the ill-gotten gains, then you have some responsibility to make things right—especially if you then turn around and say that you believe in justice and equity. You are not let off the hook, no matter what.” -Takiyah Nur Amin, from her reflection, “The Call of Our Faith”
What does it mean to you to not be let off the hook for the work of justice and equity?
Show Up and Thrive
Equity is ensuring that each person who wants to be part of a community has what they need to be whole and free. That they don’t have to expend energy to ‘make it work’ or struggle through, they can just show up and thrive. -JeKaren Olaoya (CLF)
What would be necessary for you to “show up and thrive?”
Equity or Equality?
As I’ve engaged in the work of leading programs that highlight equity, I’ve noticed that people with privilege confuse equity with equality and they are not the same. In order to achieve equity in the world, we need to center the needs of those most impacted by oppression. Give people what they need to thrive and this will be different for everyone. Giving everyone the same thing does not result in equity. Equity means people who need more (money, access, healthcare) will receive it in order to thrive. -Aisha Hauser (CLF)
How do you understand the difference between equity and equality in your life?