The Challenges We're Facing

Dehumanization

Dehumanization is the process of depriving individuals of human qualities. When we fail to see each other's full humanity, we diminish our capacity for empathy which makes it easier to morally disengage. This disengagement leads to the normalizing of violence, poverty, and despair. Whether dehumanization is exacted on others or internalized, it hurts each of us, our families, communities, and cultures.

Fractured, Divided Communities

Many forces are at play that keep us divided from one another, resulting in social isolation and fragmentation: a painful racial history that continues to drive racial inequities; segregated schools and neighborhoods; people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds living side by side with little opportunity to cross divides; growing disconnect between institutions and communities; and a dominant culture favoring individualism and competition over relationships and trust.

Racial Disparities

Despite Montgomery County’s best intentions to create a welcoming and inclusive community, the unfortunate truth is that many people of color struggle to achieve a basic quality of life. A recent report from the Montgomery County Office of Legislative Oversight finds that 2017 poverty rates in the County are 4.0% for Whites, 11.2% for Blacks, 11.1% for Latinos and 5.8% for Asians.The report also highlights the significant racial and ethnic inequities that exist in the County in the areas of education, income, employment, home ownership, health, criminal justice, and mobility.