Since our founding by Mary Morten in 2001, Morten Group has worked through a lens of social justice, with an emphasis on racial equity initiatives. In the Fall of 2016, Morten Group launched its Equity Institute, which offers a culturally-informed and responsive approach to support the creation of cultures of equity. We partner with nonprofits, for-profits, foundations, and government entities across the country using a three-step approach:

ASSESS

Our process begins with an internal asset-based and participatory assessment, resulting in a summary report with key findings and recommendations. Working in collaboration with our Research Director, designated project managers shepherd organizational leadership through the assessment and analysis process, which often includes staff, Board, and community surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Once our data has been synthesized and de-identified, we present our findings to leadership before sharing them with the organization at large.

LEARN

Following the reporting process, knowledge-building opportunities are designed based on themes raised in the assessment in collaboration with organizational leadership and our Training and Curriculum team. Learning opportunities are always interactive and can include scenario role plays and personal reflections, as well as participatory explorations of key terminology. After the sessions have been completed, a brief post-workshop evaluation is sent out to the participants to assess workshop efficacy and next steps for our client partner.

ACT

The assessment is complete and the organization has increased its knowledge and understanding around READI concepts - it’s time to plan for what happens next. Tapping into what was learned in the assessment as well as the continued learning from facilitating knowledge-building opportunities, Morten Group then works with our client partner to decide what comes next. This may include coaching for leadership, listening sessions for Board, and/or staff, or affinity groups based on identity - but will always include action planning. This final phase is vital in ensuring our client partners’ continued growth in the areas of racial equity, access, diversity, and inclusion.

Choosing to embark upon - or double down on - a READI journey is an important decision for any organization making a commitment to equity. Choosing Morten Group to support you through that journey means reaping the benefits of our expert facilitation, specialized approach, and custom learning opportunities.

We’ll be with you every step of the way.