Leading for Equity Framework

The National Equity Project’s Leading for Equity Framework provides a frame of reference that enables leaders to navigate the complex territory of equity challenges and to develop the capacity to engage in purposeful leadership action. In its simplest form, the Framework helps build habits of mind that are continually in practice. In its more elaborated form, it provides a set of tools, frames and processes that leaders can use in their work. This framework is at the heart of all of our consulting and curriculum.


An Equity Leadership Stance: See, Engage, Act

Equity leadership moves from the “inside-out,”as different from traditional leadership which tends to move top-down. How we See* informs how we Engage, which informs how we Act.

Image description: Image 1: On the left is a target graphic with three circles in varying shades of green. Each circle is labeled in large white font. The labels, from the inner circle outward are as follows: See, Engage, Act. A white wavy line stretches from the center of the circle to the outer edge of the target.

Image 2: On the right is a green cyclical arrows graphic with the following touchpoints:

  • See - Understand the territory we’re navigating (window) and ourselves (mirror).

  • Engage - Engage others to make meaning of your current situation and create relational containers for complex work.

  • Act - Design approaches to learn more about and to address your equity challenge.]

On the left is a target graphic with three circles in varying shades of green. Each circle is labeled in white font. The labels, from the center outward read "See, Engage, Act." On right is a cycle reading See, Engage, Act.

A Multidisciplinary Approach: Equity, Complexity & Design

Each discipline contains theory, knowledge and approaches to practice. Understanding each of these, and their interrelationships, enables leaders to frame their challenges and focus their activities.

Graphic of a mutli-disciplinary approach to liberatory & resilient systems through equity, complexity, and liberatory design.

[Image Description: In the center of the image is a target graphic with three circles in varying shades of green. Each circle is labled in large white font. The labels, from the inner circle outward are as follows: See, Engage, Act. A white wavy line stretches from the center of the circle to the outer edge of the target. Also orginating from the center of the circle are a numer of thin white lines pointing in different directions.

Above the target graphic, but encompassing it, is a pink box labeled “Equity” Below the target graphic, but encompassing it, is a yellow box labeled “Complexity.” Where the pink and yellow boxes meet, the graphic color is peach.

To the right of the target graphic, but encompassing it, is a blue box labled “Liberatory Design.” On the right of this box is a blue arrow pointing to the words, “Liberatory & Resilient Systems.”]

 

Equity

Developing equity consciousness (internal and external awareness of systemic oppression and its effects) and commitment (the will to take up equity challenges).

Complexity

Understanding the nature of complex systems, distinguishing between complex versus simple or complicated problems, and developing corresponding leadership approaches that match the actual complexity of equity challenges.

Design

Approaching equity challenges through the mindset of user-centered design, which shifts traditional power dynamics related to decision-making and brings forth deeper innovation and agency amidst institutionalized norms and structures.

Graphic of a leafy green plant with a single, continous circular root with "liberatory & resilient systems" in the center.

Liberatory & Resilient Systems

Often the goal of equity work is framed as closing achievement and/or opportunity gaps. Instead, we emphasize a goal of developing system conditions that increase its capacity to bring about more equitable outcomes and experiences.

* We have received and appreciate feedback regarding the use of "See" in the National Equity Project's Leading for Equity Framework related to concerns about potential ableism or non-inclusivity. We want to clarify that in the LFE framework, "See" is used metaphorically, not referring to physical sight but to a broader concept of perception, understanding, and awareness. The "See" in See-Engage-Act represents the internal and external exploration of oneself, others, and systems; building consciousness; recognizing how power and privilege operate in society; and understanding systemic impacts on different groups.

While we're retaining "See" in the framework due to its established meaning in this context, we acknowledge that language evolves and can carry unintended connotations. We're committed to providing clear explanations of our terminology and remain open to feedback about how we can make our work more inclusive and effective.