Racial Equity Institute (REI) Groundwater Presentation

Racial Equity Institute (REI) Groundwater Presentation

This presentation is a part of Growing Equitable Library Services (GELS).

The Racial Equity Institute (REI) Groundwater Presentation is a three-hour introduction to Racial Equity. We welcome participation from all library staff from any position or types of libraries along with library board and trustee members.

In this virtual webinar, REI organizers will use stories and data to present a perspective that racism is fundamentally structural in nature. By examining characteristics of modern-day racial inequity, the presentation introduces participants to an analysis that most find immediately helpful and relevant. The Groundwater metaphor is designed to help practitioners at all levels internalize the reality that we live in a racially structured society, and that that is what causes racial inequity. The metaphor is based on three observations:

  1. racial inequity looks the same across systems,

  2. socio-economic difference does not explain the racial inequity; and,

  3. inequities are caused by systems, regardless of people’s culture or behavior.

Embracing these truths helps leaders confront the reality that all our systems, institutions, and outcomes emanate from the racial hierarchy, on which the United States was built. In other words, we have a “groundwater” problem, and we need “groundwater” solutions. Starting from there, we begin to unlock transformative change.

Please note the following:

  • This presentation will not be recorded.
  • Space is limited.
  • Each person must register as an individual and not on behalf of a group.
  • The Zoom link will be sent one day before the event.

GELS Postscript

With each GELS program, we will follow with GELS Postscript sessions for small group processing, engagement, and action.

Monday, February 14 | 10-11 am
Register

Monday, February 14 | 2-3 pm
Register

Date:
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Time:
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location:
Online - at your computer
Categories:
DLD Online Webinar
Registration has closed.

Event Accessibility for Guests with Disabilities

We want to provide what you need to participate!

If you require access services to participate fully, please use the Accommodation Request Form at least 7 days prior to the event.

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Gail Hurley at gail.hurley@ct.gov or (860) 704-2223.

You can also see our Library and Accessibility LibGuide for more information.

Registration Eligibility

To register for a DLD workshop or webinar, you must be one of the following:

  • current library staff member
  • undergraduate or graduate library student
  • Friend or Board Member/Trustee*
  • retired or unemployed library staff

Please contact Gail Hurley at gail.hurley@ct.gov or (860) 704-2223 with registration questions.

*Unless otherwise specified that a Friend or Board Member/Trustee is not eligible for a training or workshop.

Note: paid consultants are not eligible to attend DLD workshops or webinars.

Cancellation Policy

If you cannot attend a workshop you have registered for, please remember to cancel at least 3 days in advance so we can give your spot to someone else. You can cancel via the link in your confirmation email, or by contacting Gail Hurley gail.hurley@ct.gov | (860) 704-2222.

Those who miss (without cancelling) 3 events within a 6-month period will be placed on the waiting list when registering for future events. Be sure to sign in when you arrive for any workshop.

Inclement Weather Policy

For all in-person workshops offered by the CT State Library, Division of Library Development:

If the public schools in the town where the workshop is to be held close due to weather, the workshop will be canceled. If the schools have a delay, the workshop will go on as scheduled.

For the most up-to-date information, call us at 860-704-2200.

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Continuing Education workshops and the professional development collection are funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Connecticut State Library.