Today, January 17, is National Day of Racial Healing — a call to action for racial healing for all people. Launched in 2017, this day originated as part of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s national Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation efforts.

As we at NRPA continue to center equity in all that we do, I’m looking forward to this conversation today as we learn how racial healing can advance racial equity, as well as how park and recreation professionals can support racial healing in their communities.

I’m thrilled to welcome Vicky Stott, the senior program officer for racial equity and community engagement at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where she is responsible for developing and coordinating strategic grantmaking activities aimed at addressing racial equity, community engagement, and nurturing opportunities for positive systemic change for historically marginalized communities and vulnerable children.

We are also joined by an Open Space Radio regular, NRPA Vice President of Education and Chief Equity Officer Autumn Saxton-Ross, who is, and has been, doing some really impactful work in supporting park and recreation professionals — and NRPA staff — on their journeys to advancing equitable outcomes in their communities.

Tune in to the full episode below to hear the conversation. You’ll learn:

• How to define racial healing
• How racial healing supports and advances racial equity
• How park and recreation professionals can support racial healing in their communities
• How self-care contributes to racial healing and the idea that “we must fortify ourselves to fortify others”
• How to find available resources to bring racial healing to your communities and organizations, and so much more!

Related Links:

• DayOfRacialHealing.org — explore National Day of Racial Healing events near you, as well as access resources for engaging children, engaging in professional settings, and engaging policymakers.

Listen to the episode for the full story.