The IRC in Atlanta is thrilled to announce our partnership with Redtree Strategies in response to our search for a Racial Justice and Organizational Development Consultant to support us in addressing our own perpetuation of racial inequities and institutionalizing ways in which we can be a more just organization.
The IRC in Atlanta’s Racial Justice Committee—formed in June 2020 and with representation from all local IRC departments and programs—issued a request for proposals last August and, after reviewing applications from several passionate and dedicated organizations, made the decision to partner with Tanesha Williams of Redtree Strategies.
Tanesha shared, “Redtree Strategies is honored to partner with the IRC on such critically important work. Race equity work is not easy. Having these courageous conversations takes humility, ownership and vulnerability. The choice to work with IRC was an easy one. We were drawn to go on this journey with IRC because of its values and commitment to people. Through one-on-one conversations, we have gotten to know many of the IRC staff, and their passion for their communities and colleagues is magnetic. We're excited to jump into our first workshop to discuss the history of race and the cycle of socialization, which will ground us in our future workshops together. We are on an amazing journey together!"
“Through one-on-one conversations, we have gotten to know many of the IRC staff, and their passion for their communities and colleagues is magnetic.”
Racial Justice Committee Liaison and IRC Financial Coach, Brigitte Bowser, is partnering closely with Tanesha as we begin this work together. “It has been my pleasure to work with Tanseha,” Brigitte shared. “I’m excited to see some of the suggested changes from all her research and conversations throughout the agency be implemented—I’m excited about more opportunities for Brown and Black people! I joined the IRC’s Racial Justice Committee because I’m a Black woman who has worked for many years and seen many things. I’m originally from Jamaica, West Indies but grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in New York was an amazing experience because NY is truly the Melting Pot—I lived around and worked with people from all over the world. I was not exposed to as much racism and segregation until I moved to Georgia—notice I said as much, because inequality happens everywhere for Brown and Black people! I saw it in the workplace especially, over and over. A lack of opportunities and promotions when we have the same education and credentials as the next person, is one example.”
The IRC in Atlanta’s work with Redtree Strategies will include four all-staff workshops over the next few months as well as smaller trainings for leadership and hiring managers, covering topics such as the history of racism and racist policies in America; modern/current-day impacts of racist systems; developing an understanding of concepts and language around racial equity (including equity, inclusion, racial privilege, institutional racism, internalized racism, unconscious bias and other terms); intersectionality of gender and sexuality and race; and identification of institutional racism within humanitarian organizations such as ours.
The IRC in Atlanta is humbled and grateful to begin this journey with our staff and Redtree Strategies. We are especially grateful for our 20-member Racial Justice Committee, who have dedicated time, effort and passion to this work—in addition to their already full work schedules—over the past few months.
To learn more about the work of the IRC in Atlanta and for information on how you can get involved with the IRC as a donor or volunteer, please contact Development Manager, Kalie Lasiter, at Kalie.Lasiter [at] Rescue.org or 678-636-8941.
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