Friday, June 27, 2020
In every corner of Delaware, people of goodwill are stepping forward to say, ‘enough’ to the inequities in education, healthcare, housing, economic opportunity, access to nutritious food, and yes, law enforcement that have held our state back for generations. For decades, United Way of Delaware has been fighting for those who are marginalized by systemic racism and we are still fighting.

Earlier this week, we announced the establishment of the Delaware Racial Equity & Social Justice Fund as part of an integrated, statewide effort with other nonprofits, grassroots organizations and the community-at-large to develop and advocate for strategies and policies that address systemic racism in Delaware. I am proud to be working collaboratively with so many great colleagues to further advance the cause of racial equity and I’m proud to establish a fund that will support this vital work.

The Fund will be supported through individual, foundation, government and corporate contributions and donors will be asked to commit time, knowledge, and skills, as well financial resources. The investment decisions for the Fund will be made by a collaborative community-based steering committee.

The Fund will work with community stakeholders to:
  • Address root causes of racial and social inequities
  • Foster courageous conversations and actions regarding racial equity and social justice
  • Increase engagement and influence of grassroots groups and others mobilizing for action
  • Mobilize disenfranchised communities to create awareness and action
  • Actively engage youth and young adults
  • Develop collective messages based on dialogue with grassroots groups
  • Promote healthy connections among diverse community groups
  • Map racial equity and social justice initiatives in Delaware
  • Ensure the Collaborative operates statewide, inclusive of local engagement
  • Develop procedures for joint accountability, transparency, and communication among investment partners

For all interested in being part of the work of the Delaware Racial Equity and Social Justice Collaborative and/or supporting the Fund please contact me at [email protected].
ACTION TO TAKE TODAY
Complete your Census.  The 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, inform hundreds of billions in federal funding every year, and provide data that will impact communities for the next decade:   https://2020census.gov/en.html
Register to vote. Every election helps determine the distribution of critical resources and political representation at the local, state and federal levels. The upcoming election is no different. Voting is not only your responsibility but it’s also your opportunity to show up for yourself, your family, your future and your community. Make a plan to vote today, share it with the people in your lives and then follow through! https://ivote.de.gov/voterview
Sign up to volunteer. Visit our U Volunteer portal to view opportunities to help your community. www.uwde.org/volunteer
Join YWCA Delaware’s Racial & Social Justice program: Dialogue to Action: Antiracist Programming to Eliminate Racism - This program dives into the real issues and root causes, and evolves into action that directly addresses systemic and institutional racism. https://www.ywcade.org/what-we-do/rsj/dialogue-to-action/
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Watch : How Studying Privilege Systems Can Strengthen Compassion by Peggy McIntosh at TEDxTimberlaneSchools
Listen: Parenting Forward podcast episode - Five Pandemic Parenting Lessons with Cindy Wang Brandt
Attend : "Othello and Systematic Racism" - The proceeds for this event will benefit the Delaware Coalition to Dismantle the New Jim Crow. Click Here
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS ON SOCIAL TO EXPLORE
The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ):
City of Wilmington's Clifford Brown Jazz Festival goes virtual!
Clifford Brown was a young jazz trumpeter who developed a unique and influential style of play. Respected by peers like Miles Davis, the Wilmington resident was garnering international fame when his life was cut short in a tragic accident. For decades now his hometown honors him with an annual Jazz Festival that rivals the best in the world. The biggest names in the genre show up to play at this free event, which this year is virtual.

From June 24 to June 27, 2020 enjoy over 80 of the worlds best Jazz artists as they stream live on the City of Wilmington's Youtube and Facebook Pages.
FREE Salem County Coloring Book


Sammi Williams is a Cadet Girl Scout, from Alloway Troop 97082. As part of a Girl Scout Silver Award project she designed this awesome coloring book! Now kids across the region can learn about Salem County and make the pages come alive with color. Here's a link to the Free download!

to download the coloring book.


The Latin American Community Center To Hold Small Business Seminar.

The Latin American Community Center (LACC) will be holding a seminar for small business owners facing challenges during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Participants will learn tips and strategies to apply for federal and state resources. As businesses look to thrive again, this seminar is a great way to help you hit the ground running!

Join the Zoom Conversation on June 29, 2020 at 6:00pm.