Chrysalis Resources

INTERSECTIONALITY: TERMS FOR BETTER UNDERSTANDING

Ally: A person who makes the effort and commitment to recognize their privilege (gender, class, race, sexual identity, etc.) and works in solidarity with oppressed groups in the struggle for justice. 

Belonging: A sense of being secure, recognized, affirmed, and accepted equally so that full participation is possible. 

Bias: An inclination or preference, especially one that interferes with impartial judgment. 

Difference: The way in which people are not the same. 

Diversity: The presence of different and multiple characteristics that make up individual and collective identities including race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status, language, and physical ability. 

Equality: Treating everyone the same and giving everyone access to the same opportunities. 

Equity: Identifying and removing barriers that create disparities to accessing resources; the achievement of fair treatment and equal opportunities to succeed. 

Identity: The way a person perceives themselves. 

Implicit Bias: Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect a person’s understanding, actions, or decisions related to people from different groups. 

Inclusion: Creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to participate fully. 

Intersectionality: The interconnection of social identities such as gender, race, ethnicity, social class, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity, which results in unique experiences, opportunities, barriers, or social inequality. 

Oppression: A system of supremacy and discrimination for the benefit of a limited dominant group extended through different or unjust treatment, ideology, or institutional control. 

Personal Gender Pronouns: The set of pronouns an individual personally uses and prefers that others use when referring to them. 

Privilege: An unearned, continued advantage given to some people over others that is based on a group of identities related to race, gender, sexuality, ability, socioeconomic status, age, and/or other identities. 

Systemic Oppression: The mistreatment of people within a specific group supported and enforced by society and its institutions. 

Source: Glossary of Working Definitions and Terms, National Association of Counties. www.naco.org 

chrysalis turns 30

The Chrysalis Foundation was established in 1989 to ensure that girls and women in Greater Des Moines have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to be successful and independent. Today Chrysalis delivers 100% of community support to key programs delivering on its mission.

she matters 2012 report 

In 2011, the Iowa Women's Leadership Project (IWLP) was formed, involving an array of organizations and businesses that have a stake in the future of girls and women in Iowa. in 2012, IWLP published She Matters The Status of Women and Girls in Iowa to provide relevant data on issues affecting women's and girl's lives.