I have feelings: Follow-up response
Deep appreciation to those who shared their thoughts with me via email or on the blog. It was humbling to receive your honest observations and reflections on yourselves and this moment. You are seen, heard, and not alone.
I invite you to channel your pain, despair, anger, and aspiration into a new way of being, a state of being that both challenges and nourishes you.
We did not get here by accident. @RWJF describes structural racism as the pre-existing condition of the United States. It was intentional and started the day this land was stolen from those who understood and cared for it. We must do more than wish - we must act in new and different ways against forces that are clear about their values and intentions. We can do it. We have to do it.
It will get much worse before it gets better. And yet I believe that collectively, we can create a world that values all humans. Evaluation provides the information that guides decisions and actions.
If you’re looking for knowledge or to take action, head to the EEI website, where you can:
Learn more about the Equitable Evaluation Initiative.
Access the Equitable Evaluation Framework™.
Find out how to become an EEF Practice Partner.
Join us in evolving the paradigm. One that holds at its core equity, justice, liberation, and deep love for all.
Rest. Pause.
Take care of yourself and yours. This is a long-distance, relay marathon.
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About The Author:
Jara Dean-Coffey (jdc) is Founder and Director of the Equitable Evaluation Initiative and the Founder of Luminare Group. For the past twenty-five years, she has partnered with clients and colleagues to elevate their collective understanding of the relationship between values, context, strategy and evaluation and shifting our practices so that they are more fully in service of equity. For more about musings + machinations click here.
