We operationalize racial justice by integrating racial justice principles into routine decision-making. Measurement mechanisms and incentives are necessary to counter resistance and inertia, act urgently so that change can occur more expeditiously, and achieve accountability and sustainability. One mechanism for embedding, measuring, and incentivizing action is the concept of choice points, along with a metaphor of weightlifting. Choice points are decision-making opportunities that influence outcomes. The cumulative impacts of many small choices can be as significant as the impacts of big decisions. Without intentionality, choice points (e.g., organizational compensation practices and hiring practices), can reinforce bias and perpetuate current and future racial injustices. Conscious choice points open new possibilities for equitable change. After identifying a choice point, building-in incentives (e.g., recognition, support) and taking intentional action, progress is measured. Individuals and teams can start with choice point “lifts” that match their current “weightlifting” capacity. Repeating this process continuously to identify additional choice points builds the capacity to take on heavier and heavier “lifts” that can increase racial justice. For example, a lighter lift for an organization might be to invest in initial racial justice training for staff. A heavier lift might be conducting a comprehensive audit of organizational policies and practices and implementing changes, including pay structures, hiring and procurement practices, and investing in equitable partnerships with community residents.
The Santa Clara County Health Department and the PEACE Partnership use Anti-Racist Results Based Accountability (RBA) to define anti-racist results and indicators. Through this work they are building a culture of authentic relationships, self-reflection, participatory practice, and data-informed practice to achieve racial equity in East San Jose. The PEACE Partnership provided the community with a two-day virtual training attended by 160 participants from a diverse cross-section of community-based organizations and government agencies. Racial equity-informed RBA supports the work of individual organizations as well as the PEACE Partnership as a collaborative to-do larger systems change work that challenges the status quo and builds the personal and organizational muscle to refine work so that it meets racial equity goals continuously.