We define equity as ensuring that all people have a fair chance to reach their full potential, no matter their background or where they come from.
At the Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI), equity is a core part of how we approach public health.
We understand that differences between racial groups are caused by unfair systems that limit people’s opportunities across all aspects of life — health, housing, education, jobs, and more. These unfair systems are built into the rules, laws, and institutions that affect our daily lives. It’s not only about individual racism; it’s about how the whole system works to prevent some groups from having the same opportunities as others to live their healthiest and fullest lives.
We are committed to practicing anti-racism. We define anti-racism as the active process of identifying, challenging, and changing the policies, practices, and beliefs that uphold these racial inequities.
We envision an IPHI where:
- Racial equity is operationalized across all policies and procedures to drive meaningful change.
- Anti-racism is a shared responsibility, embedded in our daily actions, decisions, and institutional culture.
- Every individual is both a teacher and a learner, fostering an environment of accountability, continuous reflection, and shared growth.
- Staff is treated equitably regardless of color, ethnicity, age, gender, ability or other characteristic or identity.
- Our programs and partnerships are intentionally designed to challenge and dismantle policies and practices that are embedded with racism and that result in inequities.
- We actively break away from systems that uphold classism, patriarchy, White supremacy, and other structural oppressions.
This vision is not a fixed destination but an evolving commitment to action. We acknowledge that achieving racial equity requires continuous learning, institutional accountability, and sustained commitment.
Our Commitment to Action
To make our vision of anti-racism and equity a reality, we will:
- Institutionalize equity at IPHI as a priority, ensuring it is deeply integrated into all aspects of our organizational culture.
- Strengthen the organization’s capacity to identify, address, and eliminate inequities by systematically assessing and improving policies, processes, and practices.
- Engage communities as equitable partners, avoid harmful practices, and ensure fair and consistent compensation for partners’ expertise and contributions.
- Align our funding and partnerships with our values, evaluating funders and collaborators to ensure they fully support our mission.
- Evaluate our equity and anti-racism progress. We will review and design internal and external programs and policies to dismantle systems of oppression, challenge racism, and reduce inequities.
This statement reflects IPHI’s ongoing journey toward a more equitable future. We welcome dialogue, collaboration, and accountability as we push ourselves to do more, ensuring that equity is not just an aspiration but a reality for all.