Access to resources and opportunities is an essential element of a fair and equitable society. For people who are already marginalized due to socio-economic or racial factors, lack of access can mean the difference between success and failure. In order to move towards a more equitable society, strategies must be developed to ensure that all people have access to the resources they need to thrive.
One such strategy is being implemented by rental car giant Enterprise. The company is working with cities and utilities to bring electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to underserved communities. This is part of Enterprise’s effort to provide equitable access to the transportation options they offer. This initiative will help to ensure that people in disadvantaged communities can take advantage of the advantages of electric vehicles.
Another strategy for achieving equitable access is through education. The Social Justice Scholars Program at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice is dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in the classroom. Through this program, students receive mentoring and financial support to help them pursue their educational goals. This program is helping to ensure that all students have access to a quality education, regardless of their socio-economic or racial background.
Equitable access to resources and opportunities is also important in urban areas. To this end, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has developed the eHub, an initiative to identify and promote equitable access to resources within a half-mile radius of CTA stations. This initiative is helping to ensure that all residents of the city have access to necessary resources, regardless of where they live.
The importance of equitable access to resources and opportunities is also being recognized in the corporate world. Wells Fargo & Company recently lowered their price target on Equitable, a financial services firm, from $41.00 to $38.00 and set an 'overweight' rating on the stock in a research note. This is an example of a company taking steps to ensure equitable access to its services.
In the sports arena, attention is also being paid to equitable access. The Major League Baseball (MLB) is exploring ways to make travel more equitable for its teams. One idea is to provide subsidies to teams that have to travel long distances due to the uneven distribution of teams across the country. This could help to ensure that teams with longer travel distances do not incur an undue burden due to these distances.
Finally, recognition is also being given to those who are working to promote equitable access in their communities. Educators from two schools, Richfield Public Schools and Exploration High School, recently won 2022 Excellence in Equity Awards for their work in promoting equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Another example is House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, who has declared her intention to focus on civil rights, equitable growth, and building relationships in her new role. This commitment to promoting equitable access to resources and opportunities is an important step in the right direction.
Equitable access is an essential element of a fair and equitable society. As the examples above demonstrate, there are a variety of strategies that can be used to ensure that all people have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. From the efforts of the rental car giant Enterprise to the Social Justice Scholars Program, there are many ways in which equitable access can be achieved.
It is also important to remember that these efforts must be ongoing. While the strategies outlined above may go a long way towards achieving equitable access, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure that all people have access to the resources they need to succeed.
Ultimately, achieving equitable access requires a commitment to creating a society that is fair and just for all. By working together, we can ensure that all people have the resources and opportunities they need to live and thrive.
We must also recognize that access to resources and opportunities is just one part of creating a more equitable society. It is also essential to promote social justice and civil rights. This includes ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their socio-economic or racial background.
Achieving a more equitable society also requires addressing systemic inequalities such as poverty, racism, and gender inequality. This can be done through education, advocacy, and policy reform. By working together to promote social justice and civil rights, we can create a society where all people have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Ultimately, achieving equitable access is essential for creating a fair and just society. Through initiatives such as those of Enterprise and the Social Justice Scholars Program, we can work towards ensuring that all people have access to the resources and opportunities they need to live and thrive.
