DonorConnect: A Tale of Two Cities

Jun. 18, 2020

Watch a video recap of DonorConnect: A Tale of Two Cities.

As we seek to listen, learn and act to make Greater Des Moines a community where all are welcomed we were pleased to hold our first Conversations that Count event titled DonorConnect: A Tale of Two Cities. It was our privilege to learn from Teree Caldwell-Johnson of Oakridge Neighborhood and The Directors Council and Deidre DeJear of Caleo Enterprises and the Financial Empowerment Center about their work around the OneEconomy Report: The State of Black Polk County.

We received valuable and timely insight into the painful truth of measuring progress between our city’s black and white populations over the years. Black Polk County and One Economy have gathered data to better understand the racial disparities in our community, and our discussion dove deeper into the tale of two cities that highlights inequities in Greater Des Moines. As we seek to make our community truly better together, our speakers covered things to stop doing, and action items to continue with the urgency of now. 

Click here to view the slides from the presentation and click here to view a recording of the session. 

Continue Learning About Racial Justice

Below are links to podcasts, books, articles and resources provided by our speakers as a place to begin exploring.

• Dive into the One Economy Report.
• Consider this list of podcasts about race relations. 
• Awake to Work to Work by Equity in the Center is a good resource.
• Consider taking an implicit bias online assessment like this one from Harvard. 

Reading Lists:

•  For allies
• For work
• Race in America the Harvard Gazette or Forbes
• Suggestions for actions

Learn About History

Attend a virtual tour of the "Undesign the Redline" exhibit by the Polk County Housing Trust Fund Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

Use the 4Equity Tool and Ask Others to Do the Same

These 4 reflective questions can drive action in racial equity. Consider where you can use it and how you can share the 4 Equity Tool.

Give

• Invest in organizations that are led by and served by people of color. Learn more about the Financial Empowerment Center.
• Support leadership development programs like the African American Leadership Academy.
• Support black owned businesses. Check back for a soon-to-be-launched website!
• Connect with Community Foundation staff and GIVEdsm.

Engage in Policy Discussions

Organizational policies to legislative action require engagement.