Equity & Justice
We are committed to viewing all our work with a race equity lens
Our goal is to improve equity and justice for all Texas children and families and to find solutions for problems that disproportionately affect communities of color. We do this by collecting data to identify inequities, collaborating for community-driven solutions, and advocating for equitable systems.
CHILDREN AT RISK has also identified diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core organizational value. We believe the power of diversity enriches us all by exposing us to a range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover, design, and deliver solutions. CHILDREN AT RISK is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff and board and to honor their experiences, perspectives, and unique identities; and strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
One of the core values of CHILDREN AT RISK is Racial Equity. We desire to improve equity and justice for all children and families in Texas and to find solutions for problems that disproportionately affect communities of color. As such, we have made many strides toward our goal through tangible, measurable steps.
In 2021 we created the Texas Racial Equity Collaborative (TREC) with a 3-prong plan to:
Educate about racial disparities that hurt children and families and highlight opportunities and solutions that dismantle systemic racism;
Collaborate with individuals, businesses and organizations who are actively working to dismantle systemic racism; and
Advocate for legislation that closes racial gaps, eliminates systemic racism and tracks the effects of policies on BIPOC children and families. Additionally, we pledge to oppose legislation that feeds systemic racism and inequity.
In 2022, we continued our commitment to equity, internally and externally, through the following activities:
- Adding a Chief Equity Officer to our senior leadership team.
- Holding quarterly DEI trainings and workshops for our staff.
- Creating a TREC internship program for students attending a Texas Historically Black College or University.
- Partnering with Prairie View A&M University to study and make recommendations for the sustainability and recruitment of BIPOC early childcare providers in the Quest for Equity and Quality Report.
- Hosting a TREC summit with statewide partners to develop goals for research and advocacy.
- Holding 8 Racial Equity Rapid Roundtable discussions on a variety of topics with national and statewide experts.
- Hosting free, accessible virtual programing that included, The State of Black Children, Summit on Basic Needs and Child Success, The State of Latinx Children, Health in the Borderlands and Creating an Equitable Path to STEM Careers.
Our commitment to racial equity for children and families will continue in 2023 with advocacy during the Texas Legislative Session with an Equity Rally Day at the Capitol and the release of a State of Inequities report that will highlight issues and offer solutions designed to breakdown barriers to success for all Texas families. We have much work to do, but we are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and we won’t take this opportunity for granted.
Our Latest equity & Justice
Research & Resources
Recap: The State of Black Children in Texas 2025
On February 13, 2025, CHILDREN AT RISK presented the virtual learning summit The State of Black Children in Texas. Each year, the State of Black Children in Texas Summit serves as a call to action—a gathering place for experts, advocates, and community leaders...
Fall 2024 | Early Childhood Education Texas Tour
CHILDREN AT RISK's Early Childhood Texas Tour is coming to a city near you, and you won’t want to miss it. C@R is hitting the road with 12 in-person stops across the state, bringing together child care providers, community leaders, and anyone passionate about...
Recap | 2024 Texas Equity Tour
Written by Ashley Watts, Texas Racial Equity Collaborative (TREC) Doctoral Fellow and Briauna Derry, Associate Director of Media Activism. In 2021, the Texas Racial Equity Collaborative (TREC) first gathered, united in their belief that working together could bring...
2024 C@R Special Events
Special Eventsconvening for change Every dollar donated helps us improve the lives of Texas children. CHILDREN AT RISK is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 76-0360533). Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. It is with immense...
2023 Annual Report
It is with immense pride and joy that we announce the start of a significant milestone: the 35th Anniversary of CHILDREN AT RISK. For over three decades, our organization has been at the forefront of advocating for the well-being and rights of vulnerable children,...
2024 Equity Tour
The Texas Equity Tour, slated for March and April 2024, is a pivotal event organized by CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R) to address systemic racism and its impact on Texas children and families. Rooted in the principles of racial equity, the tour serves as a platform to present...
2024 C@R Learning Events
Learning Eventsconvening for change CHILDREN AT RISK is committed to hosting free events that engage the public and help them drive change for children. We aim to share research, unpack pressing policy issues, and highlight diverse community perspectives from across...
Ensuring the Mental Well-Being of Latino Children: The Importance of School-Based Mental Health Services and Parent Intervention
The Latino population represents the largest and fastest growing minority group in the United States. Data suggests that schools in the United States now enroll more than twice as many Latino students as they did in 1995, and it that by the end of 2030, Latino...
CHILDREN AT RISK Hosts The STEM Summit
Our last summit of the year will dive into the issues of STEM education, focusing on building a robust and qualified pipeline of professionals. A learning opportunity for educators and community leaders, this event will highlight the work of STEM industry leaders, educators, and nonprofit innovators working to improve access to STEM education for all students. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what they can do to support the next generation of STEM professionals.
CHILDREN AT RISK Hosts The State of Latine Children Summit
The 2023 State of Latine Children Summit hosted on October 12th, 2023. Welcome remarks were provided by the emcee of the event, Dalinda Gonzalez- Alcantar, President of the Boys & Girls Club in McAllen. “Much of the Latin Population is concentrated in...
2023 Education Summit hosted by CHILDREN AT RISK
The 2023 Education Summit was introduced by Dr. Bob Sanborn, the President & CEO at CHILDREN AT RISK and Dr. Frazier Wilson, VP at Shell USA Company Foundation & Manager of Social Investment with Welcome & Opening Remarks which included a background on...
Home for the Summer: Tips for Healthy Eating in Latine Families
Nutrition is an important part of a child’s development. Eating and maintaining a balanced diet helps improve cognitive ability and strengthen immunity. Poor nutrition leads to obesity and increases the risk of developing severe health conditions in the future. During...