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Commitment to ACT - Silence Is No Longer an Option
Prevention Works has an opportunity to speak up and take meaningful action against racism and social injustice. We acknowledge what we don’t know, we commit to listening and learning, and pledge to use our position of influence within the community to effect change. Racism is built into every level of society and it isn’t just a Black people’s problem. We must do a better job of calling out systemic racism and confronting it. There is an urgent need to take concrete steps to dismantle prejudiced systems and culture. To do that, Prevention Works is committing to the following: LEARNING. We will continue the work of educating staff and board about inequities within our systems, the historical context of racism, and how to be an ally. We will work with minority led individuals/groups to train our staff and facilitate discussions on race and privilege. We will work to ensure the tables we bring together are set to fully embrace voices from underrepresented groups. We commit to continuing this work internally through our Transformation Team which is a cross section of our entire agency who meet to determine how to best support our community and improve our internal work on racial and social justice. We invite conversations and feedback as we continue this work. TALENT. We will ensure our recruitment, hiring, evaluation, benefits and wage practices and policies are equitable by adding staff and board who reflect underrepresented groups, and creating diverse committees to review all organizational practices and policies. Our staff play a critical role in building a strong and just community. We will compensate them fairly, invest in their growth and appreciate them. RELATIONSHIPS. We will commit to expanding our relationships in the community and to use our position of influence to make change. Our donors will know Prevention Works is committed to racial and social justice by providing opportunities for donors to further their understanding of the complexity of this work, and their role in that work. We will diversify the vendors and businesses we use to ensure Black owned businesses are utilized. We commit to intentional partnerships with schools, faith based organizations, and community organizations to provide equitable services. RESOURCES. We will work with organizations who serve marginalized communities to ensure they have a voice in how funds we receive are utilized and how work is being implemented. We commit to increasing our action in racial and social justice policy work, and become involved in and sit at tables of social justice reform. Prevention Works stands firmly against racism, oppression and inequality in all of its forms. Prevention Works recommits ourselves to be part of the solution and combat all forms of discriminatory practices that oppress members of our community. We believe right now tremendous change is needed to address the issues facing Black people in our country today. We strive to be a positive force for change in the communities we serve. All of our voices and actions matter as we stand together against racial and social injustice. We all must commit to being courageous allies in every aspect of our lives. Prevention Works is for Black people and all people. All lives can't matter until Black lives do! |
Coronavirus (COVID-19) UpdatePrevention Works is monitoring the COVID-19 virus and its impact on our community. Due to the current health risks for our staff, participants and community members, our physical office is closed and programming has been suspended until further notice. However, our staff is working remotely and you are welcome to contact our team directly by email or phone. Stay safe Kalamazoo County!
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What we do...
We provide prevention programs to youth and families.
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We collect, analyze, and report local data and research on substance abuse and violence.
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We coordinate, develop, and manage community networks.
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We develop and implement programs that address substance use prevention, violence prevention, social emotional development, family life skills, parenting and adolescent health.
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We promote healthy messages, deliver presentations, develop prevention plans for schools and more.
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We bring different sectors of the community together for collective impact, using strategies to address and prevent health issues facing our community.
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"It gives you lots of tips and tools to use throughout the years from your kid being born, to your kid being toddler, to a child, to a teenager, it just helps the process. Especially as a single parent."
Jelisa Leslie,
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