New 4-H initiative focuses on racial injustice
Feb. 20, 2021
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URBANA Illinois 4-H has launched a new diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiative.
“As we’ve watched events unfold this year, it became clear that Illinois 4-H needed to take bold action in addressing existing racism and disparities within our program,” says University of Illinois Extension Assistant Dean and Director of 4-H Lisa Diaz. “We are committed to addressing and eliminating racism and systemic barriers faced throughout the 4-H organization so that all of our youth and adult leaders and staff feel equally seen and supported.”
Protecting youth from racist experiences, interactions, and messages at any of Illinois 4-H’s programs and events is at the core of the initiative. But the effort includes programming designed to build the skills, confidence and insightfulness needed for youth, volunteers, and staff to talk openly, honestly and constructively about issues related to