All in for All

Live from Los Angeles at the Equity Summit 2015

Over three thousand people are assembled to learn, listen and expound upon the movement of social equity and inclusion that defines national policy priorities and serves as an ethical mandate.

The three day Equity Summit organized by PolicyLink has attracted a diverse tribe of policy advocates, community development practitioners, philanthropic leaders, local government officials and progressive social entrepreneurs to stack hands around an “Equity Manifesto.”

The Manifesto put forth by the grace and wisdom of PolicyLink serves as the philosophical bedrock for us all to build from and states that equity is “just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential.  Unlocking the promise of the nation by unleashing the promise in us all.”  

(If you are curious how issues of equity translate in a specific, place-based way – I highly recommend taking a tour of the National Equity Atlas.)

With Pittsburgh represented in many facets of the social sector from local elected officials, authorities, city employees, community development intermediaries, social justice advocates, urban food policy experts, small businesses, funders and environmental justice non-profits, the question of how this translates into a pervasive agenda in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County is simmering.

The collective sense conveyed in all conversations, is that a collaborative approach is a fundamental necessity.  This means collaboration in goal setting, and execution.  It means working across boundaries, and through conflict.  Whether it is around sustainable development, impact financing, public procurement, advocacy, organizing, data analysis, health disparity, prison reform, racial justice, or climate resilience—there is an absolute necessity for a collective approach that transcends traditional silos and boundaries to achieve any kind of collective impact.

I for one am eager for such a policy and priority setting process and am grateful to be a part of such a historic event.  Many thanks to The Urban Redevelopment Authority, The Poise Foundation, Neighborhood Allies and The Heinz Endowments for getting us across the country to better define how we can work together at home as we are all In – for all!