At BELONG Partners, racial equity is a core value that has shaped our identity since the beginning – it is not an initiative, a checkbox, or a moment in time. It is integrated into our Strategic Plan and guides us through our journey. In today’s political climate, when equity language is often challenged or watered down, we remain steadfast to our racial equity commitment.
Our equity statement grounds us in our “why”: we believe every young person and adult deserves a school and community where they are seen, supported, and empowered. We know that building those environments requires intentional, ongoing racial equity work, starting with ourselves.
We believe equity is a pathway to liberation – a place where everyone is safe, belongs and matters, and has voice and choice over their lives and communities. In partnership with educators, families, and communities, we help create environments where every young person feels valued and is given the support they need to thrive. Beyond social-emotional learning (SEL), we are committed to dismantling systemic inequities that prevent youth from accessing the education they deserve. And we believe that culturally relevant, restorative and anti-racist practices help ALL of us. Embodying equity is a continuous journey, and we are dedicated to learning together in pursuit of collective liberation – in schools and beyond. We invite you to join us.
Our intentional racial equity structures
For our organization, racial equity is a daily practice supported by intentional structures that keep us aligned, accountable, and growing. Our internal systems are designed for continual learning, shared power, and collective reflection. These rhythms shape our culture and ensure that equity lives in both our actions and our decisions.
Our structures include:
- Racial caucuses create consistent, intentional spaces for honest reflection, connection, and healing.
- Shared-power leadership structures that distribute decision-making and foster transparency.
- Monthly Dismantling Anti-Blackness Professional Development for all staff, which supports deep reflection on individual and collective experiences of how anti-blackness shows up in our lives both personally and professionally. We are committed to continually examining its impact on our racial equity lens.
- Learning pods and feedback circles that offer ongoing opportunities for deep reflection, shared learning, and relationship-building.
These structures embed our commitment to our daily work. They remind us that equity is not just a belief we hold—it is a practice we uphold every day.
We remain committed to walking our talk and continually strengthening the structures that help us live our values.