Give STL Day Spotlight: Diversity Awareness Partnership
After a 1998 survey indicated that 89% of participating St. Louisans would do something to make the region more inclusive if they had direction and knew what to do, the Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP) was formed to offer that guidance. Since 2001, DAP has offered youth programs, presentations, workshops, seminars, lunch and learns, community forums, and roundtable discussions to live up to its goal of creating a more equitable society.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, DAP has pivoted to online programming and education initiatives, including a Community Roundtable Series, which created a space for participants to come together to discuss the equity and inclusion issues we are facing as a community. Youth programming, including Dialogue for Change sessions focused on racial justice, have moved fully online for the year as well.
The racial and socioeconomic disparities amplified by COVID-19, and the deaths of black and brown people across the nation have made the work of DAP more critical than ever. That is why Give STL Day was so pivotal to their success this year.
“Give STL Day is a meaningful way for our organization to connect to other nonprofits in our region doing crucial work,” explained Melissa Brickey, Diversity Awareness Partnership’s Executive Director. “Our participation helps make it possible for us to continue offering anti-bias engagement and awareness initiatives. Every year we look forward to expanding our community, and we feel profound gratitude for St. Louis’ generosity.”
This year, DAP was able to raise over $4,500. The funding will be essential in helping DAP achieve its goals of responding to current events and helping the region grow in solidarity with marginalized groups, along with expanding the capacity of their youth programs to bring young people into the fold of anti-racist, anti-oppressive work.
“We hope to grow as a resource hub, both online and via in-person events such as the Diversity Summit once we can gather responsibly again,” Brickey said. “We hope to further diversify communities in our region who are familiar with DAP and collaborate with us, including additional organizations and partners, as we seek to reflect the beautiful diversity of our city and continually engage with the world-changing passion of those who live here.”
Want to support the Diversity Awareness Partnership’s work? Visit their website and follow their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more updates!
