Dear Equity Ally,
As we get close to the end of the year, we want to share our appreciation for your partnership in striving for equity in San Mateo County. Thank you. We know this work can feel hard, emotionally heavy, and isolating at times. But together we gain energy, build momentum, and feel less alone.
At the November 15 Racial Equity Summit, organized by the Thrive Alliance and the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits, we were reminded of the importance and urgency of advancing equity right now. Keynote speaker, Angela Glover Blackwell, Founder in Residence of the national racial and economic equity organization PolicyLink, reminded us of the arch of history and how much progress we have made towards equity. She reflected on backlashes to progress and the importance of maintaining hope on our journey and joy in our vision. Angela's powerful speech reminded us all of the power of working together. Together, we can make a democracy that is "self-governing for human flourishing," but to achieve a society where all can flourish, we must focus on and design for those most marginalized. By centering those "held (not left) behind," we all benefit and continue to reach our own fullest potential. The Summit was held at the visionary EPACENTER and the sold-out audience created a sense of promise and possibility as we look towards 2024.
This Community Bulletin highlights the $35 million in Measure K County funding to provide services for residents in three priority areas: children, families and seniors; emergency preparedness; and housing and homelessness. We are also excited to share the videos from the Juneteenth film screening that featured an enlightening panel on what Juneteenth means today and the experience of Black communities in America. Also included is an updated County Writing Style Guide. Language is key to culture and updating our language symbolizes updates to our culture to more intentionally integrate equity and belonging. As always, we share opportunities to join County Boards and Commissions. Diverse and representative boards and commissions are a critical aspect of an inclusive democracy. More information can be found in the message below.
Wishing you all the best as you close out 2023,
County of San Mateo Office of Racial and Social Justice
Shireen Malekafzali (she/her), Chief Equity Officer
Belén Seara (she/her), Equity and Belonging Manager
Andrew Knaack (he/him), Equity and Belonging Associate
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