Targeted Universalism / Equity 2.0: From September to December 2021 the Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ) hosted 5 series of County-wide trainings on Targeted Universalism / Equity 2.0, facilitated by consultants from the Othering & Belonging Institute and Urban Policy Development Consulting. Through these trainings County staff learned how to operationalize equity in local government by using data, engaging community, and setting goals. Staff who participated in these trainings have earned the designation of J. E. D. I., which stands for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The goal is to have those in the role of J. E. D. I. further develop equity action plans for their respective departments, measure progress and advance on their equity goals.
Concurrently, OERJ staff also worked on developing its own Targeted Universalism / Equity 2.0 muscle, participating in its own series of trainings and workshops with UPD Consulting to further integrate equity, diversity and inclusion in the work that we do by cementing these principles in our very own, and first, strategic plan.
Budget Equity Assessment Tool / Questionnaire: In early 2022, OERJ launched the Budget Equity Assessment Tool / Questionnaire to guide departments on determining how their new budget requests benefit and/or burden communities that have been impacted by structural inequities. The launch was successful, with 97 questionnaires received and reviewed by OERJ. The tool’s questions, including questions about the positive and/or potential negative impacts to communities, accessibility to the public, public outreach and engagement, and the availability and use of data, are intended to spark thoughtful reflection and consideration by the departments when submitting their budget requests, to effect transformational change toward equity, diversity and inclusion.
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): In the past year, OERJ led the development of the CEDAW ordinance for the County of San Diego, which was adopted by the Board of Supervisors. In response to the Board’s adoption of the County’s CEDAW ordinance, OERJ will conduct a Countywide Gender Equity Analysis and assist departments in developing Gender Equity Action plans.
Co-creating Equity, Diversity and Inclusion with Community: OERJ has connected with dozens of organizations in the region serving youth to understand services, challenges and impactful practices for the Uplifting Boys & Men of Color initiative. Through this feedback, OERJ will be ready to launch multiple programs in the upcoming year to support and implement the Uplifting Boys & Men of Color initiative. Additionally, since February 2022, OERJ has convened five Partner and Strategy Circle monthly meetings in partnership with City of San Diego’s Office of Race & Equity on co-creating racial justice solutions. We have also supported community-driven initiatives through event sponsorships, social media engagement and participating in community events. Last, OERJ continues to support the Leon L. Williams Human Relations Commission in its work to advance equity, diversity and inclusion, including the drafting of the Commission’s Strategic Plan.
Co-creating Equity, Diversity and Inclusion with County Departments: The Office of Equity and Racial Justice has also been honored to participate in a variety of interdepartmental working groups to deepen the practice of equity across the County’s strategic initiatives over the past year.