The New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) was facing significant challenges in addressing racial disparities in the delivery of social services. With a long history of structural inequities embedded within the system, DSS recognized the need for a transformative approach to dismantle these barriers. The challenge was not only to identify the deep-rooted issues but also to foster an environment where courageous conversations could lead to actionable strategies for change. DSS sought to convene key stakeholders, including community advocates, policymakers, and service providers, to explore these disparities and develop a roadmap for achieving racial equity in social services.

The New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) is one of the largest municipal social service agencies in the United States, serving over 3 million New Yorkers annually. DSS encompasses the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), both of which are integral in providing essential services to the city’s most vulnerable populations. Despite its vast reach and resources, DSS has historically struggled with systemic issues related to racial inequity. The Racial Disparities in Social Services Summit, sponsored by the Open Society Foundations (OSF), was organized as a critical step towards addressing these challenges. The summit aimed to bring together diverse voices to discuss the impact of racial disparities and to identify concrete actions for systemic change.

Symphonic Strategies was engaged to design and facilitate the two-day Racial Disparities in Social Services Summit. Our approach was rooted in creating a safe space for honest dialogue while ensuring that the discussions were structured to yield actionable outcomes. We employed a mix of interactive panels, moderated discussions, and harvesting exercises to encourage participation and ensure that every voice was heard. Our methodology emphasized the importance of historical context, the role of lived experiences, and the need for systemic change. By focusing on both the emotional and structural aspects of the issues, we aimed to guide participants towards developing a shared vision for racial equity in social services.

1. Preparation and Agenda Setting: Symphonic Strategies collaborated closely with DSS and OSF to develop a detailed agenda for the summit. This involved selecting key speakers, identifying panel topics, and planning breakout sessions that would allow for in-depth exploration of specific issues related to racial disparities.

2. Day One - Establishing the Context: The first day of the summit was dedicated to setting the stage for the discussions. This included a historical overview of racial disparities in social services, presentations on current challenges, and panels that explored the intersection of race, homelessness, and poverty. Keynote speakers and panelists shared their expertise and personal experiences, which helped to ground the discussions in real-world implications.

3. Day Two - Action Planning: The second day focused on translating the insights from Day One into concrete actions. Participants engaged in panel discussions on topics such as the criminalization of poverty and re-envisioning anti-poverty measures with a true equity approach. These discussions were followed by harvesting exercises, where participants collectively identified key takeaways and potential strategies for implementation.

4. Follow-Up and Reporting: Following the summit, Symphonic Strategies compiled a detailed report summarizing the key themes, insights, and action items that emerged from the discussions. This report was intended to serve as a roadmap for DSS as it moved forward with its efforts to eliminate racial disparities in its service delivery.

The summit was a pivotal moment for DSS and its partners. Key outcomes included:

- Increased Awareness and Understanding: The summit successfully heightened awareness among DSS leadership and stakeholders about the systemic nature of racial disparities in social services. Participants left with a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary factors contributing to these inequities.

- Actionable Strategies: The summit produced a set of actionable strategies that DSS could implement to address racial disparities. These strategies included recommendations for policy changes, improved training for frontline staff, and initiatives to enhance community engagement.

- Strengthened Alliances: The event fostered stronger alliances between DSS, community advocates, and other stakeholders. This collaboration is essential for sustaining momentum and ensuring that the strategies developed at the summit are implemented effectively.

The summit underscored the importance of addressing both the structural and emotional dimensions of racial disparities in social services. By creating a space for honest dialogue and collective action, DSS and its partners are now better equipped to implement strategies that will lead to lasting change. The key to success will be in maintaining the momentum generated by the summit and ensuring that the identified actions are integrated into DSS’s ongoing operations.

Is your organization ready to confront and address systemic inequities? Contact Symphonic Strategies today to learn how our facilitation and strategic planning services can help you create a more just and equitable environment. Together, we can turn difficult conversations into transformative actions.