Democratize. Community.
These two words can sometimes seem both overused and underappreciated. But they are more than just lingo here at DataWorks. They are at the heart of what we do.
When we say we democratize data, we prioritize work that benefits Durham’s communities of color and people impacted by historical disinvestment. We do this by talking with, listening to, and learning from partners who share goals of racial equity and community power. We facilitate community discussions and set the table for learning about topics like displacement, ownership, working, race and power. All of this work informs the data resources we create.
A lot of the direct support we offer community groups we intentionally do without compensation. This is foundational to how we give the power of data in support of community needs. While we have truly committed agencies supporting us financially, the Community Ownership Campaign is our first effort to expand non-institutional support for our work. Community Ownership means broadening y’alls’ investment in our operations, extending the resources we offer to groups like the Walltown, Bragtown, and Merrick Moore Community Associations. It means neighbors helping neighbors.
If this model of community support feels important to you, consider making a tax-deductible donation to DataWorks at one of the following giving levels:
- Engage: $25
- Strengthen: $100
- Restore: $500
- Empower: $1,000
Or, you can share our work with your communities, inviting people you care about to consider supporting our work as well.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to do the work we do – and we hope that with your support we can grow our roots deeper and stronger for Durham’s future.
Peace and hope,
John, L’Tanya, Libby, Mad, David & Tim
