Opportunity for All
We are the Partnership for Southern Equity. Our mission is to make sure everyone in metropolitan Atlanta and the American South has a fair chance to thrive.
We believe in creating a society where everyone is treated equally and has the opportunity to succeed. With a range of programs, we address big challenges that hold people back and aim to build a community that includes everyone. Whether it's empowering young people or fighting for fairness in policies, our efforts are focused on bringing positive and lasting change to communities that have faced long-standing inequalities.
Equity
(eq·ui·ty) /ekwədē/
noun
– to create the conditions that enable just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate, prosper and reach their full potential
Equality
(e·qual·i·ty) /əˈkwälədē/
noun
– regarding or affecting
all objects in the same way
See the difference? While equal rights under the law have afforded many of us opportunities that
were denied for so long, an equity agenda works to advance just outcomes that are sensitive to the needs and circumstances of the populations in question – erasing the barriers that stand in the way
for everyone to succeed. The reality is there are groups that have much more support systems and resources that enable their success while others are forced to rely on more uncertain circumstances
in under-resourced communities. PSE stands to address these inequities in our communities so prosperity can be created and shared by all.
Nathaniel Smith, our CEqO (Chief Equity Officer)
Nathaniel Smith is the founder and Chief Equity Officer of the Atlanta-based Partnership for Southern Equity. A child of Southern Freedom Movement Activists, Smith works to advance racial equity through an equity agenda, which advances just outcomes that are sensitive to the needs and circumstances of communities – erasing the barriers that stand in the way of success to create the conditions that enable just and fair inclusion into a society in which all people can participate, prosper and reach their full potential.
Meet the PSE Team
Our team consists of individuals with specialized knowledge in policy advocacy, community engagement, research and analysis, program development, and other key areas. This wide range of expertise enables us to take a holistic approach to advancing our mission of promoting racial equity and shared prosperity. By combining our skills and experiences, we develop comprehensive solutions that have a lasting impact.
Our Focus Areas
Just Energy (Energy Equity/Climate Justice):
The Just Energy Portfolio works with partners to educate and engage low-income communities of color in Georgia about the impact of power generation policies on utility bills and the environment. By addressing sourcing and commodification of power, the program aims to improve air and water quality, benefiting residents' health and well-being.
Just Growth (Equitable Development):
Just Growth enables community engagement in decision-making processes for development projects impacting residents, regardless of their background. Just Growth adopts a systems approach to create thriving communities and regions where all residents can participate and benefit from decisions shaping their living spaces.
Just Health (Health Equity):
The Just Health Portfolio strengthens internal and external capacities to address health inequities with a focus on social justice principles. By fostering an organizational culture that supports courage, innovation, and accountability, Just Health strives to promote health equity for staff and community partners.
Just Impact:
The Partnership for Southern Equity's Impact division is comprised of the Data, Research, Innovation and Policy (DRIP) Team, PSE's social enterprise consultancy work through Just Solutions, and oversees volunteer support and leadership academies across the organization.
Just Opportunity (Economic Inclusion):
Just Opportunity focuses on empowering low-wealth and communities of color that have been disproportionately affected by economic injustices. Just Opportunity advocates for economic inclusion, promoting equity in income distribution, wealth building, employment, and entrepreneurship among vulnerable populations.
Just Solutions (Consulting Social Enterprise):
Just Solutions is PSE's consulting social enterprise, working to build organizational and leadership capabilities in addressing racial equity and other systems of privilege and oppression. The program aims to rectify inequitable outcomes across communities and institutions.
Justice40 Accelerator:
The Accelerator, a collaborative partnership, supports organizations addressing climate, environment, and social injustices in their communities. It helps underfunded frontline organizations access funding from various government entities by providing technical assistance, project predevelopment funding, and strategic communications tools.
YES! for Equity (Youth Empowerment):
YES! for Equity empowers youth by integrating their voices into PSE's racial equity initiatives. Through customized training, coaching, and technical assistance, Yes! for Equity helps individuals, organizations, and communities prioritize racial equity through the YES! For Equity Youth Power Model®.
