- What is the difference between "equality" and "equity"?
Equality and equity are often confused. Equality is about sameness, while equity is about fairness. Equality assumes that everyone should be treated the same, receiving the same amount of resources regardless of differences in need. Equity is built on the understanding that those with different needs require different
levels of assistance and resources. To address structural racism, we must focus on fairness rather than sameness.
- Why is "One Community" leading with race?
Inequities of any kind - because of sexual orientation, income, age, gender, etc. - are unacceptable. However,
when we look across quality of life indicators, we see the greatest inequities by race. We know that income,
wealth, and race are correlated. Yet even when we control for income, racial inequities still exist across many indicators of opportunity. Focusing on race first helps us have the greatest possible impact and develop the frameworks and tools necessary to address other types of inequities.
- Why is equity a governmental responsibility?
Historically, institutions have been responsible for creating and maintaining inequities. Inequities still
exist in nearly every opportunity indicator including educational attainment, health, incarceration rates,
and employment. These inequities are sustained by institutionalized biases in policies and procedures.
Large-scale and systematic change is needed to level the playing field for all races. Local governments can
help provide this change by implementing system-wide changes that advance racial equity.
- What is the "Opportunity Index" and how do I use it?
The Washtenaw Opportunity Index is a tool to benchmark opportunity in the community. Please refer to the Index User Guide for assistance on how to use the Index .
- Are there any "Opportunity Index" trainings?
Training sessions are provided upon request. Please contact Teresa Gillotti at email@example.com
to schedule a training.