In recent years, people working on health disparity and cultural competence initiatives in Bay Area public health and health care organizations have found that powerful and underlying “-isms” sometimes limit their ability to move these initiatives forward. These “-isms” include racism, class-ism, sexism, ageism, heterosexism, able-body-ism, etc., and involve issues of oppression, bias, and privilege.
This conference evolved from discussions with a group of community health professionals who offered to participate in a planning group (convened by the UC Berkeley SPH Center for Public Health Practice) for this event. Group members were interested in gaining more information on the resources and models available for:
- Addressing these “-isms” in organizations;
- Having conversations with colleagues about challenges and promising practices in this area;
- Supporting one another in dealing with this issue.
Working on these -isms” is a complex and long-term process. This conference is a first step, a starting point for the development of community-based plans and support networks. Its intended audience includes those working in public health or health care (including mental health) organizations who are currently addressing the “-isms” within their organizations or who are interested in beginning this work in the future.
Download a copy of the conference flyer!
This Conference was designed and organized by an awesome group of thoughtful, creative and resourceful individuals who volunteered to serve as our planning group. We thank them all for their time, energy, and commitment. (List of Committee Members)