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Planting Seeds of Change
Imagine a garden overgrown with weeds. The soil is rich and full of potential, but years of neglect have allowed the weeds to choke out any new growth. Transforming that garden into a vibrant, thriving ecosystem requires more than just pulling a few weeds. It requires digging deep, turning over the soil, and planting new seeds with intention and care.
In many ways, our organizations and institutions are like that neglected garden. Years of white supremacy culture have created an environment where equity and inclusion cannot flourish. Transforming these spaces requires a holistic, systemic approach. That's where the READI2B framework comes in.
The READI2B Approach
READI2B stands for Race Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, Inclusion, Intersectionality, and Belonging. It's a comprehensive blueprint for organizational change that centers the experiences and leadership of those most impacted by systemic inequity.
The READI2B approach recognizes that true diversity is about more than representation - it's about shifting power and creating a culture where everyone can thrive. It acknowledges that oppression is not a single-axis issue, but rather a complex web of intersecting identities and experiences. And it understands that inclusion is not enough - we must strive for genuine belonging.
As bell hooks writes,
"Beloved community is formed not by the eradication of difference but by its affirmation, by each of us claiming the identities and cultural legacies that shape who we are and how we live in the world."
From Theory to Practice
Putting READI2B into practice requires a commitment to ongoing, iterative work at every level of the organization. It means examining policies, practices, and cultural norms in the light of true equity. It means investing in the leadership and professional development of all staff, recognizing that BIPOC and white staff may need a different approach to get to an equitable destination. It means building authentic relationships and partnerships with marginalized communities. Most importantly, it means embracing the discomfort and messiness of growth. As Malcolm X reminds us, "There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time."
Sowing the Future
Transformative change is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to keep showing up, even when progress feels slow. But with each intentional action, each difficult conversation, each policy shifted, we are planting seeds of a more just and equitable future.
This is the essence of the READI2B framework - using our individual and collective power to uplift, empower, and liberate. It's a vision that requires each of us to show up with our whole selves, ready to do the hard but necessary work of building a world where everyone can belong.
Contact us today to start your journey of transformation and empowerment. Let’s build a world of belonging, together.