NLC's Race, Equity, And Leadership (REAL) Training
Join us for REAL Action: Advancing Racial Equity And Leadership in Town-Gown Relations, Sept. 9 (2:00pm-6:00pm) and Sept. 10 (11:00am-3:00pm) EDT. To register, click here .

NLC’s Race, Equity, And Leadership  (REAL) department has developed curriculum to guide participants toward an expanded understanding of racial equity and how it can impact our leadership and interactions. The two-day virtual training will focus on equity and inclusion practices/policies with a specific focus on leadership and community building to better support universities and municipalities.
 
With over 3.1 million cases and 135,000 deaths, the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact every state and community across this country. These are unprecedented times. The data shows this pandemic disproportionately impacts people of color, particularly Black and Indigenous communities.

Even before the coronavirus, we knew that race was the strongest predictor of one’s success in this country – from infant mortality to life expectancy. Now, in the midst of this global health pandemic, the legacy of institutional and structural racism has been unveiled and is playing out in front of our eyes. Yet, this is not the only pandemic cities are facing. National and global leaders are also now responding to uprisings in their communities.
 
The tragic events of the last several months serve as a horrific reminder of how important it is for cities to acknowledge and take meaningful action on racial injustice. These uprisings are not just about George Floyd, Riah Milton, or Rashard Brooks. Or Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Sandra Bland, Sam DuBose, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Freddie Gray, Laquan McDonald, Walter Scott, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin and so many other tragic moments that have gained national attention and those that have not. This moment shines a floodlight on the institutional and structural racism that has plagued this country since its founding.   
 
We know these are difficult conversations. The challenge of this moment invites us as leaders to engage with our communities on racial equity and to move forward making smart policy decisions that can eliminate racial inequities in all government policies, practices and procedures.

Seating is limited, so reserve space for you or your team today. Registration is open until Friday, September 1st. For questions, contact  Beth@itga.org .
Courageous Conversations: Registration is open
The Courageous Conversations webinar, hosted by the People of Color Group, is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, noon-1:00pm (EDT). For the full description and/or to register, click here . Registration closes Tuesday, July 14th.

Join moderator Ron Jackson, ITGA Past-President; panelists Summur Roberts, Director of Community Engagement, Loyola University Chicago, IL; Tony Yarber, former Mayor, Jackson, MS; Douglas Shontz, Assistant to the Manager, Borough of State College, PA; and others panelists. This session will cover:

  • Institutional/Municipal responses to racial injustice - how are cities and universities taking action?

  • Students have been a resounding voice against injustice. How are we listening, guiding and supporting their efforts?

  • How are White allies advocating for people of color and what are their critical roles in social justice?

Seating is capped at 100 so register today. This event is free for ITGA members. The non-member rate is $25.00. Send inquiries to Beth@itga.org .
Join us on Social Media
A growing and impressive group of professionals from campus communities continue to network and share strategies for improving town-gown relations. Join us on  Twitter ,  LinkedIn  and  Instagram .