Equity Summit2022

The #EquitySummit2022 explored the intersection of age, race, and gender. Details on the summit held this week can be found at https://www.centerforworkforceinclusion.org/equitysummit22/.

My takeaways from the Summit are:

· Age Discrimination exists. It is seen in automated hiring systems, in portrayals in the media, in the way people shaped their resumes to disguise their age and that older workers do not mention their age in public.

· With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and other measures, large amounts of money are available. The money needs to go directly to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who will spend the funds on the needs intended. If the money flows through the states and local government, less will be available at the end for those who need the program or service.

· There needs to be much more vigorous enforcement of laws already on the book, such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

· Action should be taken for those who are not following the laws; their actions should have adverse consequences, including being barred from receiving federal funds in the future. “We need to call them out.”

· Implementation of broadband everywhere in the country. The Infrastructure Bill includes broadband access and funds for digital adoption. Funds need to go to be used by seniors to create greater digital access.

· Tech training is important for all, not just the young. It is part of so many jobs that are define as tech.

· It is not only necessary to collect data, but it also needs to be dis-aggregated by race and other factors. Then the effectiveness of programs and services can truly be seen.

· Rationalize the federal poverty level rates among the various programs. There is no reason for people needing assistance to have to prove their income level to various programs, all having different percentages of the federal poverty level

· Childcare is a huge barrier to work for women. It’s not only for those of prime working age but also older workers. We need publicly funded childcare.