Alliance for Racial Equity
Alliance for Racial Equity
The Alliance is a coalition of community development organizations and practitioners dedicated to increasing racial equity with the leadership of the professionals in the field. The Alliance believes in addressing racism, as it is a principal issue within the community economic development history. By focusing on increasing racial equity and access, we aim to foster positive work environments in which all employees are understood, recognized, valued and reach their full potential.
Community Development Mentoring Program
The Mentoring Program is designed to promote and support a culture of learning and mentoring within the community development field. The program enhances the preparation of mid- to senior-level professionals of color who demonstrate leadership potential, for advancement and growth into positions of leadership and authority, by facilitating effective and meaningful relationships between and amongst community development professionals. The program incorporates a racial equity lens by looking at the implicit bias and racism that exists in our work.
This 2023 cycle will explore the relationship to community empowerment and affordable housing. We will also look at the impact of racism in developing housing in urban, and suburban spaces, and investigate approaches to building more equitable communities. Mentee participants will first assess their content knowledge and determine professional goals. The mentees will be paired with experiences community organizers/ engagement staff and Real Estate Project managers to support their professional career goals. The program will host an orientation, several learning sessions and site visits/ neighborhood tours. The mentoring pairs will meet minimally for one hour monthly.
View the program calendar here.
Our Vision of Community Development
When the Alliance was formed, a broad group of stakeholders came together and articulated the following vision:
- As organizations, we are dynamic, open, welcoming, supportive, and participatory. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We encourage open, two-way communication and embrace different leadership styles and perspectives.
- All leaders (at the staff, board, and community levels) are committed, courageous, and supportive of diverse leadership. As a whole, the leadership reflects the communities in which we work and builds an open, respectful relationship with the community. Leaders actively recruit individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and economic circumstances while setting the tone for an inclusive, supportive organizational culture.
- Leaders and others within the community development movement acknowledge the existence of race and racism in our organizations and our communities, and demonstrate the will and the commitment to addressing the issues.
- Learning, teaching and mentoring are valued. Community development organizations create ongoing opportunities for learning and growth among staff, board, and residents at all levels. Current leaders demonstrate their commitment to learning by actively mentoring new leaders of color within the movement.
The community development field is well known and is a career of choice for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, races, and economic circumstances. There are clear paths for advancement and people understand the skills and competencies needed to advance in the community development field.
Alliance Steering Committee Members
- Anabelle Rondon (Livable Streets Alliance)
- Andre Leroux (Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance)
- Emilio Dorcely (Urban Edge)
- John Fitzgerald (JPNDC Board)
- Karen Wiener (CHAPA)
- Marilyn Sanchez (LISC)
- Melinda Vega (NOAH)
- Veronica Truell (NeighborWorks Housing Solutions)
The Alliance is staffed by Shirronda Almeida, MKI Director. For more information, please email Shirronda at Click here to show mail address.
Undoing Racism Partnership
The Mel King Institute partners annually with Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development and Simmons University to bring The People's Institute for Survival and Beyond Undoing Racism trainings to members of the community development and academic communities.
To learn about the Peoples Institute for Survival and Beyond, click HERE.