Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
First 5 San Mateo is committed to working to end systemic racism through DEIB principles.
Working to counteract racism, create opportunity for all children, and promote equity has been integral to the work of First 5 San Mateo County from our beginning more than 25 years ago. The events of the past few years—including both the racial justice movement sparked by the tragic death of George Floyd and the coronavirus pandemic that has disproportionately affected Black and Latino families—makes this work even more urgent.
First 5 San Mateo County has been engaged in efforts to promote racial equity both within our organization and in partnership with others. This page shares information and updates on some of the efforts, and will continue to be updated with additional information as the work evolves.
“Trauma-informed, healing-centered, and culturally responsive systems promote the safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments necessary to eliminate inequities and ensure healthy development for all children.”
– F5CA North Star Statement
Our Commission's Work on Racial Equity
“Our focus is on seeing inequity in the lives of children and families and trying to do something about it, because all children have the right to grow up healthy, safe, and with every opportunity.”
To that end, First 5 San Mateo County Commissioners and staff are engaging in a series of workshops focused on racial equity and how our work can address it.
21 Day Equity Challenge
In 2020, we issued ourselves the 21 Day Equity Challenge to further our personal understanding of and commitment to ending systemic racism. We invite our partners across the county to do the same.
How It Works
For 21 days, take one step to further your understanding of power, privilege, white supremacy, oppression, and equity. Each day, choose to read, listen, watch, notice, connect, engage, or act. Try to diversify your habits across categories.
Record your process using the PDF linked below or a journal of your choosing.
This is based on the 21-day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge from Dr. Eddie Moore Jr., Debbie Irving, and Dr. Marguerite Penick Parks. Learn more at the link below.