Race Equity Priority Update

In early 2017, members voted to approve three systemic priorities for the Association:  Equity, Integrated Services and Human Services Fiscal Framework.  Over the last year, through discussions with membership and at the Executive Committee, a statement of purpose for the Equity priority evolved that recognizes the significant disparities in outcomes and disproportionality for people of color across Minnesota’s health and human services and makes a compelling case for MACSSA to target this systemic priority to focus on Race Equity. 

Drafts of the race equity statement of purpose were reviewed at MACSSA membership meetings on several occasions, along with input and feedback sought both at meetings and via email.  The MACSSA Executive Committee reviewed that feedback and made adjustments to the paper to reflect the themes that emerged.  The document sets forth a goal to “Promote racial equity and eliminate racial disparities in the human services system for all people across the state” while providing supporting data and rationale for the focus and goal. In late May 2018, the Executive Committee  sought and received endorsement of the statement of purpose and the direction to focus the priority on race equity through a membership vote.  

 Over the coming months, a small work group has begun work on action steps that the Executive Committee identified for the priority.  This group will be reporting back and engaging the membership as the work moves forward.  Additionally, the group welcomes and encourages engagement from members that are interested in participating.