The Intersectional Model

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Apparently, time, resources, and funds were deemed/considered necessary to substantiate the obvious: that there is a lack of diversity in the non-profit industrial complex. I am of two minds about such reports: on the one hand it is absolutely laughable that a written report is warranted to substantiate the obvious fact that single issue non-profits are still homogeneous from the bottom of the chain to the top of the chain; on the other hand, such reports are a necessary evil to document these trends/inequities, which reflect symptoms of a much larger problem.

In any event, the Women of Color Policy Network of my alma matter, NYUWagner, has published a phenomenal and necessary publication on adopting intersectionality as a model for social change [pdf].

An excerpt from Leading at the Intersections:

WE ALL HAVE POINTS OF PRIVILEGE & POINTS OF OPPRESSION.
Using an intersectional framework, race, class, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, ability and other markers of difference intersect and inform one another. There is no hierarchy of oppression or discrimination. For example, an individual’s class or socioeconomic status may impact his or her experience as a woman or person of color with respect to access to resources and information.

THE GOAL OF THE MODEL IS TO ENSURE THAT ALL GROUPS AND COM- MUNITIES HAVE A VOICE IN SOCIAL CHANGE AND POLICY ADVOCACY EFFORTS.
In working to create a socially just world and advance inclusive public policies, it is important that all groups and communities are at the center and forefront of discussions for social and policy change. The Intersectional Approach Model for Policy and Social Change encourages power sharing across differences and communities with an eye toward creating opportunities for those who have been historically disadvantaged to have a seat at the decision-making table.

SYSTEMS & STRUCTURES OF DISCRIMINATION AND OPPRESSION ARE LINKED. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO CHALLENGE ONE SYSTEM OF DISCRIMINATION WITHOUT CHALLENGING OTHERS.
The Intersectional framework encourages social change leaders and policy advocates to make the links and connections between various forms of discrimination. The systems and structures that maintain racial and ethnic privilege in society are the same systems and structures used to maintain gender, class and heterosexual privilege.

Excellent work. Download PDF.

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