Building Belonging in Mill Valley — World Café

Thank you to all the Marin County residents, government, and community leaders who joined our facilitated World Café on October 28, 2021

We invite you to view the ten-minute MV FREE presentation, Race Matters in Marin. This small sample of BIPOC stories and perspectives was offered to help frame the discussion. Through a series of breakout sessions (more than 40 in all), participants addressed the question of racial belonging in Marin in increasing depth, recording their thoughts in real-time.

Presentation Video

“How can we create a community of belonging for all people of color in Mill Valley?” Discussions captured visually in real-time.

MV FREE is grateful to our facilitator, Lisa Jiménez, CEO and Founder of OLAS Equity Strategists, for her courageous, compassionate and generous leadership. Please consider Lisa for your equity-centered facilitation, organizational development, and executive coaching needs. Illustration by Viola Clark violaclark.com, hosted by Lisa Jimenez of OLAS Equity Strategies olasperformance.com

9 powerful, common themes emerged

1. Lay a foundation of shared knowledge, understanding, and commitment

2. City and County governments must take a leadership role

3. Reverse housing segregation in Marin County

4. Prioritize BIPOC employment; address geographic and transportation barriers

5. Teach and support youth for the greatest impact

6. Trust and center BIPOC voices in discussions about race

7. White allies can and should take responsibility for learning and advancing change

8. Make a difference on an individual level

9. Bridge racial divides through dialogue, communal activities, and arts and culture