About the Challenge

Many of us have set commitments to learn more about racial justice issues, and we know that getting started may feel overwhelming due to the sheer volume of information and resources out there. To help get you started, we invite you to participate in the 21-day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge.

The goal of the 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge is to build an effective and sustaining practice for learning and doing work towards racial justice and racial equity. As with any new habit we are trying to build, it’s helpful to set our own goals and intentions.

Originally developed by Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., Dr. Marguerite Penick-Parks and Debby Irving, the challenge has been adapted by many individuals and organizations. As Eddie Moore Jr. shares, “Creating effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of power, privilege, supremacy and leadership is like any lifestyle change. Setting our intentions and adjusting what we spend our time doing is essential. It’s all about building new habits. Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. The good news is, there’s an abundance of resources just waiting to empower you to be a more effective player in the quest for equity and justice..”.

Structure

We’ve adapted the challenge to focus on the intersections of racial justice and health equity.

The 21 days are broken up into 3 week-long sections, with themes to support our work in DPH:

Week 1: History
Week 2: Racism in public health
Week 3: Racial justice social movements - past and present

Instructions

Before you begin:

1. Find or pick a buddy to do the challenge with.

Your buddy can be a coworker, friend, or family member.

Research shows that we are more likely to complete reach goals (?) if we do them with others. While this is not necessary to complete Challenge, it is strongly encouraged! This partnership could look like checking in on one another, sharing reflections, and discussing your thoughts on different activities.

2. Register here.

3. Download the weekly tracking sheets.

We recommend saving these to your desktop so you can add your reflections for each day of the week.

You can also print them out if you prefer.

During the Challenge:

1. Each day, pick (at least) one selection from the week's materials that you want to learn more about.

Weekly materials will range from readings to podcasts, videos, and more.

Try to mix it up so that you are engaging with a variety of materials.
Reflect using one of the reflection options.
Talk to your buddy.
Use these tips when engaging others in conversation about what you are learning:
- Caring Across Generations - Talking about Race
- Center for Social Inclusion- Talking Race Toolkit
- Guidelines or agreements for group conversations help create a space where everyone can share. Here are some examples:
  - What you share within the context of the group is confidential, honored and respected.
  - Use “I” statements; no one speaks for another or for an entire group of people.
  - Avoid critiquing others’ experiences; focus on your own experiences.
  - Be honest and willing to share.
  - Listen with curiosity and the willingness to learn and change.
  - Resist the desire to interrupt.
  - Be brief and share time equally.
  - Suspend judgment. Be open to the kernel of truth in each person’s story.

2. Use the weekly tracking sheet to keep track of your progress and thoughts.

3. Upload your tracking sheet at the end of the week to the Upload page.

At the End:

1. Complete the post-survey, you have the option of submitting it anonymously.

2. Write a letter to yourself about what you have learned over the past 21 days (optional).