SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC WORKS RACIAL EQUITY INITIATIVE
Begun in summer 2019 , the San Francisco Public Works Racial Equity Initiative is guided by the following :
VISION
The San Francisco Public Works Racial Equity Initiative seeks to build our understanding of historical and structural racism and the impacts it has on our organization and the communities we serve .
With a greater understanding , we seek to respond to these systems of oppression , both internally and externally , to erase racial disparities in our workplace and in how we provide services to the public .
VALUES
The Public Works Racial Equity Initiative declares that a racially equitable society is one where race does not determine the distribution of public services , job and economic opportunities , housing , health care , education , and other resources in order to create just and fair inclusion in society , so that all people can participate , prosper and reach their full potential . And though Public Works cannot alone change the culture we live in , with intention we can change our organizational culture and the ways we do our work .
As a service organization , we have a duty to provide the highest-quality programs and infrastructure possible to the diverse communities that live in , work in and visit San Francisco – with particular focus on the Black , indigenous and communities of color that have been historically disinvested and whose needs have not been met . This cannot happen unless Public Works reflects communities of color and their ideas from within – people who are closer to the experiences , needs and issues of their communities and who are closer to potentially identifying solutions to their problems .
Diversity is a priority at Public Works . We believe in its capacity to bring in new perspectives and backgrounds , but we also believe in meaningful inclusion where people from all backgrounds feel they are treated fairly and their contributions and perspectives are valued , respected and considered an integral part of the organization . Diversity and inclusivity are interconnected :
Diversity without inclusion can create a toxic culture of silos and resentment ; inclusion without diversity can lead to a stagnant and uncreative workplace .
We understand this work won ’ t be easy . It requires a vigilant effort to maintain the momentum and urgency that ending institutional racism requires . And it will require buy-in and leadership from management , combined with grassroots participation from all staff , to ignite the incremental and revolutionary change needed to end racism in our organization .
THE PUBLIC WORKS RACIAL EQUITY WORKING GROUP
In September 2019 , Public Works assembled a Racial Equity Working Group (“ Working Group ”), a team of 12 staff – multiracial , multi-gender and representing the four divisions and a variety of job classifications at Public Works – to bring their skills in project management , finance , communications , training , facilitation , contracts , negotiation , operations , design , management and supervision in service
Racial Equity Plan 2021
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