Racial Equity and Social Justice Tools

In 2019, the County Council established the Racial Equity and Social Justice Act. This law directs County departments and offices to apply a racial equity and social justice (RESJ) lens to their work. RESJ is a process that focuses on centering the needs, leadership, and power of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). RESJ is also a goal of eliminating racial and social inequities. To apply an RESJ lens, OLO pays attention to race, ethnicity, and other social constructs when analyzing problems, looking for solutions, and defining success. We recognize this is necessary to fulfill our mission and advance RESJ in Montgomery County.

OLO staff use the following tools to apply an RESJ lens and advance RESJ:

  • RESJ Action Plan | En español: The RESJ Action Plan outlines OLO’s priorities to apply an RESJ lens to OLO policies, practices, and research. The plan includes an overview of the government's role in fostering racial inequity. The plan also describes OLO’s mission and vision for advancing RESJ. OLO developed the plan with input from the County Council, the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, and community partners.
  • RESJ Project Methodology Tool: OLO’s Racial Equity Core Team developed the RESJ Project Methodology Tool to help staff apply an RESJ lens to our research. The tool lists key racial equity principles and questions to guide staff in their research and writing for projects. 
  • RESJ Project Methodology Tool Supplement: OLO's Racial Equity Core Team developed a supplement to the RESJ project methodology tool, and it reflects the consensus of the office on requirements and best practices for applying a RESJ lens to every project. 

Additional RESJ Resources from OLO