TUESDAY // 09.22.2020
"Equity-Centered Community Design is a unique creative problem solving process based on equity, humility-building, integrating history and healing practices, addressing power dynamics, and co-creating with the community."
This process is especially important for our own and future generations because its main goal is to focus on dismantling systemic oppression to create a future with equity for all. In the previous years many members of our community accepted what they were faced with and said "that's just how things are," but in previous years there's a movement of young designers who strive to create change for good in what they can–through their work of designing with self- and systemic-awareness of oppression, creativity, and action. Designers used to be seen only for their ability to create visuality appealing work, but now it has grown into a position of power to form their ideas into decisions that will impact a vast amount of people in their own environments. Inequities are designed by man, but through intentional acts of design we can dismantle them together. The term "designer" is used in so many ways, you don't have to be professionally trained to consider yourself a designer through working on social impact.
A crucial part of creating a successful impact on a group or society is ensuring all voices are heard and respected. Although not all opinions will match your own, it's important to listen and try to understand the thinking behind these different views. The wants, needs, and oppressions of others are not greater or lesser than another, all are valid and require different strategies to solve. Inclusion of all ranges of diversity is important when confronting a new problem because you may not be aware of these obstacles; and each need a space of reflection.
Learn more about this topic in Equity Centered Community Design Field Guide.
