Rotarians enjoyed a gorgeous evening on May 21 at Market Tap for our monthly Thirsty Thursday meet-up. There were friends, stories, and even tacos. If you weren't there, you should have been! The good news if you missed it is that there will be another Thirsty Thursday on June 18 at 5 pm at Tenacity Brewing.
Andy Holmes, Emily Doerr, Elizabeth Jordan, Dawn Hibbard, and Ashley Haldy
Understanding Disparities and What Drives Them
Last week, we looked at how to identify disparities (differences in results between two or more groups). We learned how disaggregating data into relevant social groupings enabled us to see if different groups were experiencing different results. This week, we will build on that by exploring the next step- going from noticing a difference in the results between groups to understanding why.
Understanding the Driving Force Behind Disparities
Taking the time to understand what factors cause a disparity is important for two reasons:
Without identifying a reason for the differences, people may assume that the fault for the lag is with the group when usually there are bigger factors at play.
Uncovering the actual factors driving the disparity positions you to do something about it.
In our example last week, we looked at employment data for Genesee County broken down by racial groups. We can see that there is a significant disparity between racial groups.
Without considering the big picture factors that could shape this difference, what explanations might spring to mind? We might believe that people in one group just need to try harder or get more education. We might even think that people experiencing higher unemployment rates somehow deserve it.
There have been studies done to look at how people with similar skills and experience of different racial groups fare in the job market. So, let's look at some of the data available. There was a landmark study in 2003 called "Are Emily and Greg More Employable than Lakisha and Jamal?" that sent out resumes in response to job openings in a variety of sectors. The only difference was whether the resume attached to a name chosen to signify presumed Black or White background. The results showed that resumes tagged with the White-signifying name got 50% more callbacks. It also showed that having a resume showing stronger credentials did not benefit presumed-Black candidates as much as presumed-White candidates (30% more callbacks compared to 50% increase).
Data like this shows that racial discrimination (even if it may be unconscious) accounts for some of the difference in employment outcomes. Additional factors like having different access to networks to hear about job postings or be referred for a position can also come into play.
Next week, we will focus on how understanding what factors drive disparities can help us create strategies to address them. After all, the ultimate goal is to have a fair system where everyone has a chance to succeed.
Next Up: Please note the second regular meeting in May is May 29 at noon due to the Memorial Day holiday. Join us at the Food Bank to hear from Prosecutor David Leyton
Upcoming Opportunities for Service and Fellowship
Mott Foundation Centennial Family Fun Day Volunteering
In celebration of the C.S. Mott Foundation's 100th anniversary, there will be a family fun day at the Cultural Center on June 5-7. Volunteers are needed to help with the event, and multiple slots are available. Please register at this link and put "Rotary Club of Flint" in the comments field. For more information, please contact Amy Krug.
NASCAR, Anyone?
NASCAR is inviting Rotarians to purchase discounted tickets ($40) for a NASCAR Cup Series Race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, June 7. For questions, please contact Kylee Moenter at 517-594-4375 or kmoenter@nascar.com. Tickets can be purchased here or by using the QR code on the right.
Crim Volunteer Registration
And... since this week has us enjoying a taste of summery weather, let's talk about the Crim Rotary Mile. District 7 clubs will once again be staffing the water station and intersections along our section of the Crim Festival of Races on Saturday, August 22. We are getting an early start on recruitment-- please sign up to volunteer! It starts with a fabulous breakfast at Mike Chaffee's at 6 am and you will be done before noon. It's a great way to be part of one of Flint's premiere events as you enjoy some Rotarian fellowship.
