Government's Role in Advancing Racial Equity

Racial inequities are not random. Unfair and unjust government policies and practices have created and sustained inequities over time. The Government Alliance on Race & Equity (GARE) believes that government officials have the power to identify the policies, programs, and systems that create racial disparities, and play a critical role in interrupting them.

GARE is a joint project of Race Forward and the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society. This national network of local and regional government jurisdictions is working together to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all.

Recognizing the negative relationship between systemic racial inequity and health, the Spokane Regional Health District began working with GARE in 2018. Partnering with GARE has helped the health district to center their efforts on racial equity, and conversations about the root causes of racial inequities have become integral to their efforts. Through GARE’s Membership Network, which comprises more than 80 jurisdictions, Spokane Regional Health District staff have connected with other government leaders on similar journeys. The Network enables government staff and officials to exchange information, collaborate to advance their practice, and develop solutions to racial equity challenges. (Find GARE network members near you).

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps and GARE are teaming up in an upcoming webinar to share more about how the Spokane Regional Health District began their journey toward disrupting racial inequities in Spokane, WA; helpful tools and resources they used; and the lessons they learned along the way.

Review details of this engaging webinar on November 12, 2019, to learn more about how Spokane's experience can inform your work, and how could your community use its policies and practices to advance racial equity.

For more information on GARE, check out their “What is GARE?” video.