Through Virginia Main Street’s (VMS) Firm Principles, Flexible Paths series, the Center of Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) is diving into their 7 Actionable Principles (7APs) to strengthen nonprofits and their relationships with funders. The 7APs offer a common language around key and proven practices, infused with values of equity and growth. The fourth principle relates to prioritizing equity.
Actionable items include:
- We commit to the ongoing intention, skill-building, and action that supports becoming more equitable in our policies, practices, programs, and budgets; and
- We commit to: learning about inequities in all forms in our community and our sector; listening to, believing, and elevating voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and people most impacted by systemic injustices; examining equity measures in internal operational and service metrics; developing skills and taking action to center equity in our organizations and our work; and collaboratively and transparently creating and soliciting feedback on our plan and progress.
“Equity is not a program. We’re all learners. We’re all teachers.”
Nonprofit New York’s Leading Courageous Conversations on Race Equity
Bringing It Back to Main Street
Equity and downtown / neighborhood commercial district revitalization are interconnected as prioritizing equity allows revitalization efforts to become a catalyst for sustainable economic growth that uplifts the entire community. This approach can enhance diversity, stimulate innovation, and contribute to a more resilient local economy.
Main Street organizations can prioritize equity by:
- Implementing inclusive policies;
- Ensuring transparent decision-making processes;
- Fostering diversity in business development;
- Supporting minority-owned businesses;
- Promoting affordable housing;
- Providing equal access to resources;
- Engaging with the community to understand its needs; and
- Actively addressing systemic barriers
These equity-driven initiatives help to create a more welcoming environment that attracts a wider range of businesses and residents, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the community.
At CNE, our vision is equitable, thriving, and just communities powered by healthy nonprofits, and our mission is to be a champion, learning partner, and advisor for Virginia nonprofits.
Virginia Main Street 