Collaborative Action Network

Racial Equity

Outcome Area: Intergenerational Racial Equity

Overview:

The Racial Equity Collaborative Action Network(CAN) focuses on advancing racial justice and equity across East King County, with a particular emphasis on breaking down systemic barriers that hinder the success of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. This group strives to create inclusive, just environments that support the growth and development of all youth.

What Does This Collaborative Action Network (CAN) Do?

Works toward dismantling systemic racism within education and community systems.
Engages community members, organizations, and leaders to co-create strategies for racial justice.
Prioritizes racial equity by designing programs and policies that address the disparities faced by BIPOC youth and families.
Fosters community solidarity and empowerment through education and action on racial equity.

How Will This CAN Improve Outcomes?

The Racial Equity CAN addresses deep-rooted inequities, ensuring that racial justice is prioritized in community systems. By co-designing policies and programs, this CAN will directly contribute to dismantling barriers to success for youth of color, particularly in education, health, and social services.

Core Values

Collaboration: We foster strong relationships across sectors to collectively address the complexities of racial inequity.
Equity: Our efforts are centered on fairness and justice, ensuring that all children have equal opportunities to succeed.
Data-Driven Decision Making: We rely on data and research to develop strategies that are tailored to the needs of the community.
Collective Impact: By working together across sectors, we leverage collective wisdom to create long-lasting, systemic change.
Commitment to Anti-Racism: We recognize that racism is a socially constructed tool of oppression and commit to dismantling it through every level—internalized, interpersonal, institutional, and structural.
Empowerment: We equip partners with the tools, resources, and knowledge to lead and sustain racial equity efforts.
Sustainability: We aim to create strategies that scale and sustain beyond the two-year cycle to ensure intergenerational impact.

Who Can Join?

Anyone with a commitment to advancing racial equity for youth in East King County—no prior experience required. You don’t need a background in racial equity, DEIB, systems thinking, or collaborative work. What matters most is your curiosity, your willingness to learn, and your desire to be part of lasting change for youth ages 0–26. This work isn’t about instant results—it’s about building meaningful, long-term impact. Whether you’re new to this space or have years of experience, your voice and perspective are valuable.

Eastside Pathways Equity Pledge

To participate in the Racial Equity CAN, all partners must sign the Eastside Pathways Equity Pledge (EPEP). The pledge outlines the commitment to systemic change and acknowledges that historic and systemic racism toward Black, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latino, Pacific Islander, and Asian people is a barrier to achieving equitable outcomes for all children and youth in East King County.

The Equity Pledge emphasizes that:

Race is a human-invented construct used for oppression and violence.
Racism privileges White people and maintains “Whiteness” as the societal norm.
It is our responsibility to address and dismantle the impacts of racism, especially within positions of authority.
We must embody courage, accountability, and collaboration to reimagine and reshape our community.
Addressing internalized, interpersonal, institutional, and structural inequality leads to greater diversity and inclusion.

By adhering to the Equity Pledge, participants commit to creating an East King County where race no longer determines outcomes for children and youth.

Facilitator

Aliyanda Harris Cobbinah (they/them)

Aliyanda@eastsidepathways.org