Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Friends & Family Initiative (FFI) is active in the work to create equity in communities across the Greater Pittsburgh area. In 2020, FFI established partnerships in the Greater Pittsburgh area. One of these partnerships is with West Jefferson Hills Anti-Racist Collaborative (WJH ARC). FFI’s partnership with WJH ARC includes organizational development and access to technical platforms for meetings. FFI has also partnered with leaders and congregants of the Beth El Jewish Congregation in[BW1]  the South Hills area and formed the Unity Coalition of Southwestern PA (UCS-PA). This coalition is designed to initiate conversation and to share resources and information to identify the root of systemic racism, how it impacts local communities, and how to utilize this partnership to engage in the spread of equity within communities. [BW1]Beth El Jewish Congregation of the South Hills is the name of that congregation as listed on their website. "In the South Hills area" specifically speaks to location, not to the actual body that is being referenced.

Unity Coalition

Friends & Family Initiative believes in diversity to combat racism and Social Injustices. The “What Can We Do” Campaign is designed to educate by sharing resources and tools to understand the root of racism and social injustices in America. A diverse focus group which consist of members of Friends & Family Initiative partnered with Beth El Jewish Synagogue created the Unity Coalition. The Objective of this Coalition is to launch a movement of unity and understanding. Participants meet bi-weekly to discuss sensitive topics for individual growth and understanding. The education and tools received throughout the sessions prepares participants for peaceful action projects in the City of Pittsburgh. 

West Jefferson Hills Anti-Racist Collaborative

Friends & Family Initiative partnered with the West Jefferson Hills Anti-Racist Collaborative by supplying support through participation in the Anti-Racist Collaborative meetings and sponsoring technical administrative support for meetings to take place virtually.