Blueprint Revealed: Expanding on the Focus on Race

Each week, Dismantle Poverty’s Megan Matthews answers a question about the Poverty Reduction Work Group’s mission to reduce poverty and inequality in Washington State. 

Here’s this week’s entry.

“In your last blog you explained why the 10-Year Plan focuses on race. Does that mean white people are left out?”

This is a fair question. I can understand why it might seem like focusing on folks of color would exclude white people. The focus on race is important because poverty isn’t only about class. If we resolved class issues, there would still be unfair outcomes based on race and ethnicity.

And, when we state we want a just and equitable future for all Washingtonians, that’s exactly what we mean. The majority of the individuals in Washington who struggle to meet their basic needs are white. We believe the plan will help remove barriers for ALL Washingtonians.

The first strategy is about better understanding how racism works within our systems and has harmed not only people of color, but white people too. The second strategy is about sharing power with perspectives that are currently not represented in decision-making spaces or spaces of influence. The remaining strategies target broad areas like homelessness, education, healthcare, and income and wealth inequality that impact us all. When we understand (and undo) structural racism and share power, we all win.

To submit questions, email Megan here or use the Contact page on this website.