ATL Action for Racial Equity leverages the power of our region’s business community to advance racial equity through collective impact. My company is proud to join this critical, multi-year effort to address the pervasive effects of systemic racism in the community and workplace. We commit to carrying out targeted actions, tracking our progress, and sharing lessons learned as we strive to leverage our size and scale to make metro Atlanta a more vibrant, equitable, and inclusive region.
In addition to standing with others who are committed to racial equity, we embrace diversity, equity and inclusion as core values in the success of our business, the growth of our economy and the future of our community.
Greetings,
As the journey for progress continues, I am proud of our work. In the wake of the tragic George Floyd killing in May 2020 and the racial reckoning that followed across the U.S., the Metro Atlanta Chamber, in partnership with PwC, leveraged the power of the business community to launch ATL Action for Racial Equity (AARE). This multi-year effort was designed to address and dismantle the effects of systemic racism in the region, specifically in metro Atlanta’s Black community.
Through engagement with the region’s business community, a curated list of actions and playbooks was developed that defined four key areas: corporate policies, inclusive economic development, education, and workforce development. The playbooks are available as a guide to implementing best practices in your organization’s racial equity journey and I encourage you to use each playbook as a resource.
In February, as a result of the participation of more than 250 businesses that pledged to participate in the initiative, MAC released the results of the inaugural AARE assessment (“2021 Assessment”). The assessment established baseline reference points which we will assess annually to measure committed company progress. The inaugural assessment revealed that the metro Atlanta business community is positioned to lead the nation in the journey for racial equity. Furthermore, the 2021 Assessment included representation from 80% of Georgia’s Fortune 1000 brands.
To continue the progress, the Metro Atlanta Chamber is hosting the first AARE Summit. The AARE Summit will serve as our signature event that will highlight the collaborative efforts among Atlanta-based business and community organizations. Additionally, attendees will hear from some of our region’s top leaders and network with peers.
Will you join us in making an impact in the region during the 2022 AARE Summit?
PLEASE register AT events@macoc.com
Kim Adams
Vice President of Human Resources, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), culture, and engagement at Papa Johns
Bio
Mindy Binderman
Executive Director of GEEARS: The Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Student
Bio
Sarah Miller
Principal Adviser for Community and Economic Development within the Atlanta Fed’s Center for Workforce and Economic Opportunity
Bio
Leading companies support ATL Action for Racial Equity