Triangle, Inc. Implements New Racial Equity Curriculum Classes
At Triangle, Inc., we believe that respect and inclusivity are fundamental rights for all our participants, members, residents, and employees. In our ongoing commitment to these values, we have been rolling out new initiatives aimed at enhancing support for racial equity and diversity. This effort is in collaboration with Triangle’s Racial Equity Committee.
Our new curriculum has been designed to include a variety of activities and discussions addressing key issues such as racism, discrimination, racial equity, and diversity. These elements have been built into Triangle’s core programming, ensuring a comprehensive and continuous focus on these important topics.
Key Components of Our New Curriculum
Creating a Safe Space: To foster a welcoming and respectful environment, participants, members, and residents will collaboratively create a list of community expectations. These agreed upon guidelines will help ensure everyone feels safe and valued.
Embracing Our Differences: Understanding and appreciating the unique perspectives and experiences of others is vital. Our activities will encourage participants to recognize and celebrate diversity within our community.
Understanding Racism: Through guided discussions, we will explore the roots and impacts of racism, helping everyone understand its pervasive effects on society.
Challenging Stereotypes and Prejudice: By identifying and addressing common stereotypes and prejudices, we aim to break apart these harmful beliefs and foster a more inclusive mindset.
Recognizing Microaggressions: Learning to identify and address microaggressions is crucial in creating a respectful environment. Our discussions will provide tools to recognize these subtle yet harmful behaviors and respond effectively.
Addressing the Intersection of Racism and Ableism: Participants will explore how people of color with disabilities often face compounded discrimination. Understanding this intersectionality is key to supporting all members of our community. We will also delve deeper into the concept of intersectionality, examining how various aspects of identity, such as race, gender, and disability, intersect and impact individuals’ experiences.
Being an Ally: Participants will gain the knowledge and skills of becoming an ally to people of color and learn about the importance of active support and advocacy.
These classes are taught by Melissa Strout, Triangle’s Chief Integrity Officer, and Charlie Warren, Triangle’s Curriculum Developer, and they have been instrumental in our efforts of promoting racial equity and diversity within our community. Charlie values the opportunity to teach this curriculum to our participants because “viewing disability services through an intersectional lens enables us to provide the best service possible to the whole person.” Similarly, participants have been resonating with this curriculum, saying that it’s been “helpful” because they “want to be aware” and look forward to “continuing the conversation” in the future. Opening these topics of conversation can be hard, but it’s important and there have already been massive improvements seen by staff members and participants alike.
At Triangle, Inc., we are committed to creating a community where everyone feels respected and included. We believe that, by fostering open dialogue and continuous learning, we can make a meaningful difference. We invite all participants, members, and residents to engage with these new activities and discussions, and together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future.
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