What can I do? If you’ve thought about racial equity, you’ve probably asked this question. 

One way to honor Black History Month is by becoming a better ally and educating yourself. That means learning about the breadth of the Black experience and also looking within yourself—challenging assumptions, attitudes, and beliefs—and bringing unconscious biases to light. As memoirist Anaïs Nin said, “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.”

At CHOW, our aim is to amplify and lift up black voices, organizations and initiatives, while sharing resources, support and our platform.

We’ve compiled a list of resources for you to explore!

Company Commitment & Racial Trauma

“But solid research has shown that the changes that do cost money actually create shared value and lead to both greater long-term corporate profitability and a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable society. Now is the time to reset expectations for a new and better “normal” to which we can eventually return. Here are 10 commitments that corporations can and should make that will help achieve racial equity”

Read more at https://hbr.org/2020/06/the-10-commitments-companies-must-make-to-advance-racial-justice?fbclid=IwAR1BlheHg0Xu22r6BogbBrN94QD_aRBzPhncdTmcLFUpJzuf_QtHef909dE

Is it really trauma?

Is it really trauma?: Helping Black clients across the lifespan process traumatic experiences.

Session Description:

In this session, the presenters will provide an overview of trauma and how trauma affects the body, wellness and spirit of Black clients across the lifespan. Session attendees will then be exposed to the various types of trauma (e.g., complex trauma, racial trauma, historical trauma); contextual narratives of how Black people experience trauma, and how clinicians may advocate for their clients. The structure of this session will be through didactic presentation utilizing PowerPoint and offering helpful resources that will provide attendees the opportunity to build and expand their knowledge base on how to support Black and/or African American clients experiencing various forms of trauma. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Session attendees will be prepared to identify the multicultural and contextual considerations for working with Black clients who have experienced trauma. 
2. Session attendees will understand the various and interrelated forms of traumas, for which Black clients may seek mental health support 
3. Session attendees will understand the effects of complex trauma and how they are able to advocate for clients to receive trauma informed and culturally responsive resources and services. 

Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/is-it-really-trauma-tickets-168498490521 for registration information

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

In celebration of Black History Month, the National Museum of African American History & Culture will examine the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birth workers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.

“Black History Month is a time to celebrate the fullness of African American history and culture, but that cannot be contained in one month alone. As the world’s largest African American museum, we have a responsibility to humanize history and objects through the lives, tragedies, and triumphs of everyday people. This February, we celebrate the theme of Black health and wellness by creating a space that highlights Black pioneers’ trailblazing contributions to Western medicine, addresses health disparities facing our communities, and encourages healing through education.”

Kevin YoungAndrew W. Mellon Director, National Museum of African American History & Culture.

Visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/initiatives/black-history-month for more information and resources

Support the Equal Justice Initiative

The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.

Your contribution is critical to our efforts to end mass incarceration and excessive punishment, challenge racial and economic injustice, and protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable.

Donate at https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout

CHOW News

community resources

Unite Us Colorado Resources

Keep Us Warm: Connect Clients with Utility Bill Assistance This Winter!

The winter weather has most of the country staying indoors and keeping warm. It’s a good time to keep utilities assistance top of mind as you assess needs and connect to care in your community.

Visit https://blog.uniteus.com/utility-bill-assistance?utm_campaign=February%202022%20Newsletter%20-%20SW&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=202768120&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–6RveWjeia5BwSlb0gGjrm3wI5sVjnnyIr3ci2KbF_UauNZnJkHa6V4Eehvr95SbN5G2KYCVHhYHCvyKZ1LH4JLneRSw&utm_content=202768120&utm_source=hs_email for more information

Free Vaccine Clinics for Denver Restaurant Workers and Their Families on Feb. 8 & 9

The CRA has partnered with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the City and County of Denver, EatDenver, and Mile High United Way to host two free COVID-19 vaccination clinics for restaurant workers and their family members.

Mile High United Way, through its Ride United Program in partnership with Lyft, is providing free rides to these vaccine clinics for people in need of transportation. You can schedule a ride by calling 2-1-1. Pre-registration is encouraged for these events. 

The clinics will take place on Tuesday, February 8, and Wednesday, February 9, at the Oxford Hotel in downtown Denver. Find more information on the clinics below:

Visit https://www.comassvax.org/appointment/en/reg/1712939603

Visit https://www.comassvax.org/appointment/en/reg/7369340921

Denver Restaurant Week bootcamp

Denver restaurants are invited to attend Visit Denver’s free 2022 Denver Restaurant Week Bootcamp, where you will hear from a panel of local industry experts on how to make Denver Restaurant Week (March 11 -20) one of your most successful weeks of the year!

Topics include:

• Managing Reservations
• Managing Staff
  (Front and Back of House)
• Growing Guest Checks
• Food Ordering
• Developing Effective Menus

Register at: https://www.denver.org/rsvp/?action=details&noredirect=1&eventId=4471&utm_term=Register%20for%20Restaurant%20Week&utm_campaign=Bootcamp%202022%3A%20Denver%20Restaurant%20Week&utm_content=email&utm_source=Act-On+Software&utm_medium=email&cm_mmc=Act-On%20Software-_-email-_-Bootcamp%202022%3A%20Denver%20Restaurant%20Week-_-Register%20for%20Restaurant%20Week

Free Restaurant Equipment from DCP Midstream

DCP Midstream has moved its headquarters to the Denver Tech Center. As part of the moving process, they are decommissioning their current office space to help eliminate waste and to reduce their impact on the environment. During the decommission process, the goal is to redistribute excess appliances to local nonprofits and businesses.Below are restaurant-relevant items available onsite for the taking:

• Commercial Ice Makers 
• Refrigerators
• Dishwashers
• Microwaves

If your restaurant is interested in any of these items, please email kbchalson@dcpmidstream.com by Tuesday, February 15. Restaurants will be responsible for pick up and transport from the DCP Midstream downtown office location (6900 E. Layton Ave, Ste. 900). All items must be picked up by Monday, February 28.