Equity

How we talk about equity can shift and change how people think about it. It can reveal the root causes of racial and social disparities. It can elevate equity-focused policy.

We can’t get to the society we want without talking about racial, social, and economic equity. But if communications aren’t framed carefully, they can backfire, and opportunities to build support for change can be missed.

FrameWorks’ research on issues ranging from justice reform, residential segregation, and health disparities highlights the need to explain how social issues work, lead with shared values, and spotlight solutions.

Explore these resources to find out what to emphasize, and what to avoid when talking about equity.

Featured Work

Young girl with hand raised in front of collage of education images

Report

Advancing Anti-Racist Education

How School Leaders Can Navigate the Moral Panic about “Critical Race Theory”

Report

Navigating Cultural Mindsets of Race and Place in the United States

The places where we live shape our lives. Structural racism has shaped and continues to shape where and how Americans live.

Framing Resource

Talking about Health Equity

Here are three sample definitions that use the phrases “fair and full” or “fair and just,” which can complement or replace the word equity.

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Publication

Moving Toward Collective Health and Prosperity Means Putting Hunger and Poverty in the Rearview Mirror

The terrain of public thinking about hunger and poverty is fraught with unhelpful assumptions and associations—including harmful, dehumanizing stereotypes. Fortunately, certain helpful public...

Report

Communicating about Disability in Australia

To change culture and build a more inclusive society, we must first understand the deeply held assumptions and beliefs that underpin public attitudes about people with disability in Australia.

Framing Resource

Explaining the Social Determinants of Health

Here are helpful things to keep in mind when you’re trying to explain why some demographic groups experience better or worse health outcomes than others.

Framing Resource

Talking about Health Equity

Here are three sample definitions that use the phrases “fair and full” or “fair and just,” which can complement or replace the word equity.

Toolkit

Where We Thrive: Communicating about Resident-Centered Neighborhood Revitalization

If you want to build support for place-based initiatives and communicate effectively about neighborhood revitalization—and in the process change the public narrative about the root causes of...

Report

Where We Thrive: Communicating about Resident-Centered Neighborhood Revitalization

This strategic brief offers guidance—in the form of a comprehensive framing strategy—that community builders can use to share their successes, communicate the challenges they face, and...

Report

Research Methods Supplement – Where We Thrive: Communicating about Resident-Centered Neighborhood Revitalization

A description of research methods and supporting data, offered in supplement to the Where We Thrive Strategic Framing Brief

Report

Talking About Racism in Child and Family Advocacy

As the field seeks to lead a more public conversation about the impacts of racism on children and families—and about how racism structures the systems that children and families interact...

Report

Advancing Anti-Racist Education

How School Leaders Can Navigate the Moral Panic about “Critical Race Theory”

External article

Americans See Systems: Data Show an Opening to Advance New Thinking on Stubborn Social Issues

It’s time for foundations and nonprofits to invest in communications and narratives that center systems.

Report

Framing Guidance: Equitable Physical Activity

This resource contains a set of framing recommendations for voices in the physical activity sector to shift dynamics and move toward a more fair and just society where everyone has access to...

Publication

Journey to Success Campaign: Quick Messaging Guide

Six key messages and framing tips for each of the Journey to Success campaign's policy goals.