Since 2021, FISA Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, and The Pittsburgh Foundation have sponsored the RACE + DISABILITY initiative, hosting many different virtual programs focused on issues that impact people of color with disabilities. These programs have been well-received by nonprofits in southwestern Pennsylvania and have catalyzed important conversations on the intersection of racism and ableism. But we heard from our grantees and partners the desire for more from this initiative—more opportunities to engage in-person, celebrate accessibility successes, and learn in community.
To continue these conversations, the RACE + DISABILITY initiative hosted an in-person convening on May 24th, 2024 with local partners and grantees in southwestern PA. Attendees were individuals from organizations in the nonprofit space who have continuously engaged with RACE+DISABILITY programming over the years. Facilitated by Common Cause Consultants, the focus of the convening was to meet people in-person, hear about successes and challenges in advancing racial and disability justice in local nonprofits, and think about next steps in continuing the work.
Through individual speakers, table discussions, and larger share-outs to the room, convening participants reflected on what progress looks like towards greater equity within their organizational policies and practices. They talked about challenges they’ve faced in doing this work, and began conversations on how to continue making changes that uplift racial equity and accessibility. Overall, it was wonderful to engage in discussion, build community with one another, and see folks energized to continue the work. FISA Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, and The Pittsburgh Foundation look forward to the next RACE + DISABILITY convening in the fall!