A grant-financed summer internship will allow the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut to continue its successful “Walk in Their Shoes” program to advance equity in the region.
The Arts Workforce Initiative Grant was awarded by the Connecticut Office of the Arts to fund a communications assistant at the Cultural Alliance.
Gabrielle Blevins, of New Milford, will develop a database of progress made by Walk in Their Shoes alumni in their efforts to address diversity, equity and inclusion in their communities. Blevins will interview graduates of the program, track where they are in their equity work, and create a catalog to celebrate them as leaders.
The Walk in Their Shoes program states that its goal is to “move empathy into action and create sustainable change.” Participants are offered “the space needed to unpack generational racial disparities. Through small, highly interactive sessions, you’ll develop a better understanding about anti-racism, get the tools you need, be better equipped in your work.”