Organizing for Systems Change: Evaluation of a Local Cross-Sectoral Collaborative to Address Racial Inequity

Addressing the multidimensional nature of structural racism requires a cross-sectoral response. Chicago United for Equity (CUE) is an organization in Chicago, Illinois that coordinates an annual Fellowship program for individuals from diverse institutions and social systems with the goal of building their capacity to do hyperlocal racial justice and systems change work. Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health partnered with CUE to design and conduct an evaluation study to assess the impact of the Fellowship. Twenty-four individuals who completed the Fellowship participated in semi-structured interviews that explored their experiences in the Fellowship. The UIC research team conducted qualitative content analysis of the interview transcript data. We found that the CUE Fellowship influenced the Fellows and their racial justice work by providing tools and exposure to racial justice concepts, fostering valuable relationships, and expanding the thinking of participants. The fellowship influenced the Fellows and their racial justice work within and across local institutions and social systems. This study highlighted how the program helped to build a network of racial justice leaders in Chicago and Cook County that are engaging in cross-sectoral systems change efforts, an essential aspect of addressing structural racism.