YNPN-TC The Insider: Race & Privilege in the Nonprofit Sector?

Given the immigration and demographic changes that have taken place over the past few decades, Minnesota is becoming more culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse. In order to develop skills of cultural competency that allow us to leverage these differences as assets, it is critical to ask questions about what roles race and class play in our lives, the work of our organizations or businesses, and in the larger society, as well as what role we consequently need to play in order to level the playing field and eliminate disparities.

 

The YWCA of Minneapolis, whose mission is to eliminate poverty and empower women, works to do so through racial justice training, including their annual, "It's Time to Talk Forums on Race." I'm thrilled that YNPN-TC is partnering with my colleague and friend, Anita Patel, whom I nominated as one of Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans in 2009, on their next event: "The Insider: Race & Privilege in the Nonprofit Sector?" Details follow, though it should be noted that due to limited seating, online registration is required for the event.

Issues of race and privilege don’t just disappear during the hours of 9 to 5. They creep into our corner cubicles, stand face-to-face in client visits, speak loudly in our marketing materials, and sit silently during board meetings. Whether you work in education or health and human services, race and privilege is part of your day-to-day. So how can young nonprofit professionals begin to dismantle race and privilege in the workplace? Let’s work together in creating better communities and a better sector.

FEATURED SPEAKER

Anita Patel joined the YWCA of Minneapolis in 2005 and was promoted to Vice President, Racial Justice and Public Policy Programs in 2010. She has been instrumental in creating a Racial Justice Dialogue series and Early Childhood Education Awareness Month. These initiatives have expanded the reach of YWCA Racial Justice programs throughout corporate, government and nonprofit sectors. Anita is skilled in circle facilitation, conflict resolution, Mindful Facilitation techniques and is an experienced circle facilitation trainer.

Anita has a Masters of Public Policy degree from the University of Minnesota’s Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. She is the Chair of the Minnesota Women’s Consortium, a board member of the Charities Review Council, the Public Policy Cabinet for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and has served as the Vice-Chair of WATCH, and the first Vice President of the Ripley Memorial Foundation.

Anita was awarded a Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Award in 2011, named one of the 2009 Top Outstanding Young Minnesotans by the MN Jaycees and one of the top leaders under 30 by MN Business Magazine.

Date

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location

Midtown YWCA Minneapolis

2121 East Lake Street

Minneapolis, MN 55407

PARALLEL || POSTS

• 2010 Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans: Melissa Palank
• The Insider: the real scoop on professional development opportunities in the Twin Cities
• Nominate an Outstanding Young Minnesotan in 2010