Too often, low-income communities of color facing the most challenging neighborhood conditions have the least access to the policy making entities that influence their existence. Policy is the way our society organizes its resources, conducts its business, and most importantly, reflects its values. All people have a right to meaningful participation in that process.
Increasingly, leadership development is acknowledged as a key element in improving the participation of people of color and low-income individuals in the policy development process.
To improve policy outcomes for children, families, and communities of color, we must increase their access and preparation for engagement in the decision making process. They must be able to interact on equal footing with elected officials, business interests, academics, media, advocacy groups, and others who drive the policy discourse.
Supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, PolicyLink completed a year-long investigation into the role that leaders of color do and can play in development and implementation of policies that impact children, families, and their communities. The report, released in September, 2003, details a strategic option that should increase the participation and impact of people of color in policy development.
The research process included five focus conversations in local communities, an extensive literature review, and an analysis of existing program design for leadership development programs managed by foundations and other community-based entities. A central part of the research involves interviews with 60 key and emergent leaders nationally from different sectors who can inform our thinking with their organizational and personal experience.
For more information on the report, click here.