Race Equality via Economic Justice
What is Equanomics UK? Equanomics UK is a 21st century initiative to transition from poverty to equality, from economic disadvantage to parity. We project a contemporary analysis for today's fight against structural inequality. Distinct from cohesion and diversity, Equanomics sets forth a positive framework for full racial equality in social, economic, educational, and political categories. Equanomics UK is not about creating a single voice; it is about enabling and empowering a diversity of voices to influence policy. Equanomics is an analysis, providing research and public policy analysis that objectively measures the structural inequalities (and progress toward equality) in the UK, so an 'Equanomics' analysis becomes a pre-requisite to policymaking that includes the voices of disadvantaged communities. Equanomics is an organisation, aspiring to be the foremost third sector organisation addressing race equality in the UK from an economic perspective. Equanomics is a movement, the "new language" for today's movement for racial equality and economic justice - i.e., the unfinished business. Equanomics is a Vision, to achieve genuine race equality and economic justice in our lifetime by reconnecting economically and politically disenfranchised communities across the UK.
Activities 2009/2010 …‌and follow up required A Manifesto for Race Equality As a run up to the May 2010 elections, Equanomics UK seized an ideal opportunity to put a race equality programme of action for all prospective candidates and for the new government. We collaborated with over 40 UK race equality organisations and put together "The Price of Race Inequality - the Black Manifesto.' The Manifesto included 15 chapters on topics such as the Economy and banking, Poverty, Employment, Civil Liberties and Equality Legislation, Education, Housing, Health Criminal Justice and Immigration. Equanomics UK organised and supported hustings meetings in 9 cities with prospective candidates and to educate and organise an informed Black and Minority Ethnic community vote, involving over 3000 people. Currently we are working with the coalition to advise and monitor the new government on all aspects of race equality and the implementation of the Manifesto programme. To take this coalition forward we will need funds for a co-ordinator and policy officer.
Research on Poverty and Ethnicity Equanomics UK partnered with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), The Roots Research Centre and the Centre for Local Policy Studies (CLPS), Edge Hill University, on a consultation focusing on the issue of poverty and how it is shaped by ethnicity. We focused on the White British, Bangladeshi and Somali communities, within the boroughs of Haringey and Tower Hamlets. The research findings will be integrated into the JRF's wider strategy and final report tackling poverty, and disseminated to the relevant government, advisory and third sector bodies. We are now seeking resources to offer further advice and help on the issues which arose (e.g. on employment, housing and health needs and civic participation). Consultation Roundtables: Institutional Racism, the Equalities Bill, Bank Reform Equanomics UK's approach is to enable discussion in BME communities on matters that affect them and then support follow up work they identify. In 2009/2010 we conducted a series of 'roundtables' in 10 cities in the UK on two themes of Institutional Racism and what it meant, how it was manifest and what we could do about it and the Equality Bill (now an Act). As a result of the Institutional Racism discussions, we produced a special edition of the Equanomics Index which carried articles on a range of areas concerned with Institutional Racism. On the Equality Bill, we produced briefings and position papers which were sent to Government to influence the final shape of the Act. For 2010 /2011 we wish to expand our bank reform campaign. Many of our members and contacts live in the poorest housing and experience the highest poverty rates (25% of White children, 56% of African children, 60% of Pakistani and
Race Equality via Economic Justice 72% of Bangladeshi children live in poverty in the UK). The banking and financial crisis has put some of the poorer people in the UK at greater risk of losing housing and jobs. Poorer people find it harder to access banking services, get loans and are charged extortionate and unpredictable interest rates. We are campaigning for a Community Re-investment Act for the UK mandating banks to invest in the economic and educational advancement of Black and Minority Ethnic and poor communities. If ÂŁ850 billion has gone into bailing out the banks from taxpayers money we think its time they gave something back to communities. Equanomics UK is part of the 'Better Banking Campaign' and will need resources to conduct and co-ordinate the discussions and campaign. The Equanomics UK Index The Equanomics Index is a periodic publication on the position of Black and Minority Ethnic communities in the UK, and news on initiatives and programmes. The first edition focused on the changing face of race equality as Barack Obama ran for president and on a range of issues of inequality, and the second edition on Institutional Racism and the Equalities Bill in the UK. The Equanomics Index is proving to be an invaluable tool for activists and community organisation advocacy. Over 10,000 copies of the first edition were distributed throughout the UK, and the second edition (due to costs) has been distributed as an online publication. In order to take this forward we need resources for publication, marketing, co-ordination and editing. 'Mind Your Business' Workshops for Young People The aim of these workshops is to equip young people with financial intelligence and enable them to manage their money effectively; make ethical spending choices; learn how to earn money and create economic well being. The first one of these was held in October 2009 in the east end of London and we are now developing plans based on the evaluation for a series in 2010/2011. We are in discussions with the Citizens Advice Bureau to work in partnership with us on these. This practical programme for young people will need resourcing to empower young people to organise the workshops themselves. Presentations This year we have given 30 talks and presentations at universities, Government departments, for NGOs and for the private sector including one in Australia (Murdoch University) and the US (New York for a consortium of business leaders). These have the benefit of giving currency to the language and thinking of Equanomics - and they can raise small amounts of money for our other programmes. Volunteer programme Equanomics UK depends on volunteers and we have run a volunteers training programme this year complete with a 'graduation' ceremony where 15 volunteers were congratulated and received certificates from local celebrities. These volunteers help us organise events and programmes.
Equanomics UK is indeed a new analysis for a new movement for racial equality and economic justice:
We need a new and different kind of politics: A variation in our approach that remains true to our principles. A new way that does not deny our roots yet is a new radar, a fresh angle, a new paradigm. A coalition strategy we believe will best advance our work for change, and equality for our children. Karen Chouhan, founder member