A Vicious Death Grip
on the Soul of our Nation

“Racism has a vicious death grip on the soul of our nation. You can’t pay lip service or dance around it. Race equity can no longer be an implicit endeavor in our work.”

In conjunction with the release of PolicyLink’s new report, “Race, Risk, and Workforce Equity in the Coronavirus Economy,” the director of our Jobs and Opportunity project, Michelle Wilson, penned a powerful blog on the intersection of the coronavirus, racial injustice, and workforce development. We invite you to read the blog and explore the data and analysis in the new report, as we work to dismantle and redesign the systems that hold us in racism’s vicious death grip.

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President’s Corner

A lot has happened since my last president’s corner. Writing that statement feels woefully insufficient to the moment we are in. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd, and of the widespread protests that followed, virtually every organization, from global brands and nonprofits to local shops and fast food restaurants, has proclaimed their support for racial justice. Black lives matter. As I am the relatively new leader of this organization, my staff looked to me for a statement, a public declaration of what is right, of where we stand, of our commitment ending racism.

But the thing is, our work hasn’t changed.

Last year we announced a new strategic priority around racial equity in workforce outcomes and we are committed to that. We have been doing a lot of work internally to hold our organization and each other accountable, to live our values. And we know the data. We know there are enormous racial disparities across a range of measures, including employment, income, and wealth. We know that the systems in which we work are built on a foundation of systemic racism.

At the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, our mission remains unchanged and our vision is clear: an equitable future where workers, employers, and communities are thriving and prosperous. Yes, the challenges are big, but they are not new.

We welcome everyone whose eyes have been opened to racial injustice, and we invite you to join us in the pursuit of justice. We hope you are in it for the long haul. We’ve got work to do.

Addressing Racial Inequities
in the Service Sector

We are proud to announce that the Cleveland and Philadelphia collaboratives have been selected to lead innovative programs to address racial inequities in the utilities, IT, and finance sectors. With support from Walmart, these communities will design and implement new programs that have the potential for replication across the National Fund network.

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New Tools to Improve Job Quality

Earlier this month, we released two new job quality tools for workforce practitioners.

Job Quality Competencies: Guide for Workforce Development Practitioners

This guide highlights the competencies needed to embark on job quality work with employers.

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Appreciating Employer Resistance to Job Redesign Changes

This publication will help practitioners better understand employers, how they think, and how/why they might resist.

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We Can’t Train Our Way Out of This Crisis

“Economy-boosting jobs allow workers to pay their bills, buy from local businesses, and save for the future. When every family thrives, the community thrives, and we all become less vulnerable to major shocks such as a pandemic.”

In a new blog, Janice Urbanik explores how workforce development must learn from the lessons of the Great Recession and redesign a more sustainable economy built on good jobs.

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We’re Hiring:
Director of Employer Engagement

The National Fund is hiring a director of employer activation. This position will lead us in our activate employers and make jobs better solutions. The ideal candidate will be passionate about expanding economic opportunities for low wage workers and activating employers to invest in their workforce.

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Success Across the Network

News from the Field

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative‘s fast track training programs have been a huge success in addressing the need for technicians across the automotive, HVAC, and manufacturing sectors. “You can build your future,” says Miguel, a participant in the HVAC fast track training program. Watch this video to learn more.

Media and Articles

• Gulf Coast News Today – The Baldwin Center for Business Development Opens June 1
• Financial Times – African-American Economic Gap Remains Despite Us Expansion
• Tuscaloosa News – Health Care Job Portal Now Open to Public
• WBRC – West Alabama Works Hosts DCH Healthcare Virtual Hiring Event
• Mix 99.9 Gulf Coast – SAWDC Alabama Works and Gateway Initiative Host Virtual Hiring Fair
• AL.com – Virtual Hiring Fair Thursday Focuses on Coastal Baldwin
• WBRC – Economic Opportunities for Minorities in Tuscaloosa Discussed During Online Roundtable
• WBRC – West Alabama Works Hosts Virtual Automotive Job Fair Thursday Through Friday

CONTACT US

National Fund for Workforce Solutions
1250 Connecticut Ave. NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
United States

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