Advancing Equity in the First 100 Days and Beyond: A Listening Session
April 7, 2021
10 am - 12pm PT/ 1 - 3 pm ET
A historic movement for racial and social justice has underscored the need for transformative action to address the compounding effects of the pandemic, systemic racism, and extreme economic inequality. This moment calls for bold policy, and also requires government leaders to ensure our institutions are capable of equitably implementing solutions to these challenges.
On day one, President Biden issued an executive order to advance equity across the federal government and create “a systemic approach to embedding fairness in decision-making processes.” Now, all departments must identify and work to redress inequities in their policies and programs that serve as barriers to equal opportunity.
PolicyLink hosted a convening on April 7 discussing how the executive orders can serve as a catalyst for progress throughout the government and country. We were joined by equity leaders and administration officials, including Catherine Lhamon, Deputy Assistant to The President & Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council for Racial Justice & Equity. This is the first in a series of convenings to explore issues of equity in the federal government.
Agenda:
Opening
- Michael McAfee, President and CEO, PolicyLink
- Catherine Lhamon, Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council for Racial Justice & Equity
Session I: Equity and Our Country’s Future
The moral and economic imperative for advancing equity
- Manuel Pastor, USC Equity Research Institute
- Anne Price, Insight Center for Community Economic Development
- Angela Glover Blackwell, PolicyLink (moderator)
Session II: Equity Is Not A Zero Sum Game
How centering those in greatest need benefits all
- Tara Houska, Giniw Collective
- Kris Hayashi, Transgender Law Center
- Vilissa Thompson, Ramp Your Voice
- Gerry Roll, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
- Michael McAfee, PolicyLink (moderator)
Session III: Chief Equity Officer Insights
- Zan Gibbs, San Antonio, Texas
- Joy Marsh Stephens, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Glenn Harris, Race Forward (moderator)
Next Steps and Closing
- Catherine Lhamon, Domestic Policy Council
- Michael McAfee, PolicyLink