Over the past year, race and social equity has ascended as a top priority, and organizations of all sizes, across industries, have been looking at how they can do better and make change where it’s needed most. What are the best ways to get started, tackle tough conversations, and keep the momentum going in order to provide real growth and opportunity for those who need it most?

Kristin Jarrett, a community and social impact strategist at Booz Allen, considers these questions as part of her role with the firm’s Community Impact and Philanthropy team. Her day-to-day work involves ensuring that race and social equity are a major element of Booz Allen’s corporate philanthropy efforts—a critical component to Booz Allen’s commitment to advancing racial and social equity.

To discuss her thoughts, experiences, and advice on how to build an equitable corporate philanthropy program, Jarrett recently joined a virtual discussion—Turning Statements Into Action—with Stephanie Ellis-Smith, co-founder of Give Blck, a database of Black-founded non-profits, and Janelle St. Omer, regional vice president of Benevity, a grant management platform and Booz Allen’s partner in standing up corporate philanthropy programs aimed at race and social equity. Highlights from the discussion follow.

  • Start by talking—and listening Employee resource groups, community partnerships, philanthropic campaigns, and other race and social equity initiatives should all start with conversations. “Understand that people are feeling very harmed and hurt and unheard and want change,” Jarrett said.
  • Partner with purpose Throughout the webinar, panelists cited the power of collaboration and partnerships in social change. Honest conversations are essential to success here as well.
  • Prioritize structure and resources The topic of race and social equity is broad and can be daunting and overwhelming.
  • Be authentic, humble, and helpful

Read the full article about corporate philanthropy programs by Booz Allen Hamilton at 3BL Media.