We care about youth of color across the gender and ability-level continuum, and about our growing low-income senior population. We assert that people, neighborhoods, and care networks are community assets worthy of investment and support.
The troubling increase in hate crimes in communities across the nation compels us to reaffirm our commitment to engaging in community-led, participatory research to help create a just and inclusive society where all individuals and communities have the opportunity to succeed in all domains of life. We will continue to partner with others nationwide to promote equity, inclusivity, and research-informed interventions to reduce barriers to opportunity and well-being.
Our declaration of solidarity with vulnerable populations is the core essence of the Kirwan Institute’s work. In particular:
- Kirwan has supported, and will continue to support, tribal work toward equity and improved housing and infrastructure investment in Pine Ridge. Additionally, we have worked with partners to promote indigenous reports on the lack of data and the impact of the housing crisis.
- Our commitment to black lives is immediate and direct. Thanks to Franklin County Commissioners, we launched the pilot program “I Am My Brother’s Keeper” in 2013, and have recently partnered with the Columbus Urban League to expand the program. Moreover, we are committed to reducing racial disparities in infant mortality and have provided hotspot maps and data analysis to support Celebrate One, an initiative aimed at reducing infant mortality in high-risk neighborhoods in Columbus, OH.
- Our collaboration with our local United Way led to important community conversations around Latino boys and about the toxic stress that can negatively impact children’s health and academic achievement.
- We value important community conversations – whether it is around a Big Table, or in any community across the country who wants to pursue equitable civic engagement.
