From the Urban Institute:
Communities need broad access to data and the skills to use them to advance racial equity and well-being. Community members can use data to advance local priorities by illuminating racial inequities, building consensus among stakeholders, and advocating for shifts in policies and resources. To do this, they need to use data not just to describe current inequities but to identify the systems that created them and to chart a clear path to action. People must also recognize that not everyone has access to data or the skills and resources to use them. In particular, people who are marginalized, including people of color and people with low incomes, have been harmed by others who are using data irresponsibly and are often shut out of opportunities to access and apply data.
Local funders, coalitions, and advocacy organizations have a role to play in changing these dynamics by using data to develop solutions and shift power to residents and grassroots organizations. On the 25th anniversary of the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership, join the Urban Institute for a virtual discussion to explore what we need to do differently to democratize data and ensure people have what they need to use information to advance equity and well-being.