EQUITY LENS
What is an equity lens?
An equity lens is a tool to create more equitable outcomes.
Why?
At NHA, we use this equity lens for guiding decision making that centers marginalized/historically disenfranchised peoples and communities, and takes into consideration intersections of gender, race, cultural identify, ability, and class; as well as environmental justice and sustainability.
How to use it:
When we are in discussion and for discernment to make decisions, at any level of the organization. We will use these reflection questions for individual and group considerations.
Initial and final questions:
- Where is this decision/proposal/idea coming from?
- Is there implicit bias?
- Identify it; shine a bright light on it
- Is there a need for this decision right now? What is the priority? Can the timeline for decision-making accommodate gathering more information if needed?
- Is this the best time/place for this decision? Can parts of this decision be made at another time?
- Is it in line with our mission?
- Who are the stakeholders? How will you engage them?
- Do we have the resources or the capacity (budget, time, energy, skills, etc.) to carry out this decision?
- What do we hope the outcome will be?
PEOPLE
Power Sharing and Inclusivity
• How does this empower marginalized communities?
• How does this empower everyone across the organization especially staff of color?
• Are people able to maintain their own personal autonomy?
• What are biases/privileges are we bringing to this decision?
• How are people who are impacted included in the decision-making?
Racial Equity and Anti-Racism
• What are possible impacts for people/staff of color? Is there a disparate impact (look at race/ethnicity)?
• Are there people/staff of color as part of the decision-making process and how is their input being utilized?
• Who benefits and who is being burdened?
Environmental Justice and Sustainability
• Is it easy for people to access information/ resources and to participate in activities that support the environment?
• How does the proposed idea disparately impact the lived environments of disadvantaged communities or communities of color?
• What are the barriers or challenges that people may face when it comes to participating in environmental or sustainable activities?
PLACE
Power Sharing and Inclusivity
• What is the history of the place?
• What’s the impact on the place?
• Are we furthering historical disparities?
• Are we adding value?
Racial Equity and Anti-Racism
• What geographic areas are impacted?
• Whose land are we on?
• Are we supporting people in their communities?
Environmental Justice and Sustainability
• What geographic areas are impacted?
• What is the degree of sustainability for each property?
• What are the limitations of the space, and how can we maximize the opportunities for sustainable practices?
• Are materials being responsibly sourced? Have we looked into local/small business alternatives when possible?
PARTNERS
Power Sharing and Inclusivity
• How does this empower marginalized communities?
- Is there an alignment of values/mission/equity goals?
Racial Equity and Anti-Racism
• Who benefits?
• Are companies and firms owned by people of color?
• Who’s not at the table?
• Are they adding a new perspective?
Environmental Justice and Sustainability
• Do they align with our values/mission/sustainability goals?
• Do they add value to environmental sustainability?
• Can they make accommodations?
PROCESS
Power Sharing and Inclusivity
• Who holds the ultimate decision-making authority?
• How is the decision being made?
• Is it transparent?
• Who is being heard? Who is being left behind?
Racial Equity and Anti-Racism
• How are people/staff of color involved in the process?
• Where’s the proposal coming from?
• Who is most impacted by this issue?
• Are we asking the right questions?
• Are the right people at the table?
• How do our biases/privileges impact this process?
Environmental Justice and Sustainability
• What is the impact assessment?
• What is our carbon footprint?
• Are materials being responsibly sourced? Have we looked into local/small business alternatives when possible?
