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/Groundwater Workshops

Groundwater
Approach

Groundwater Workshops offers a research-based introduction to systemic racism and its impact on our communities. Developed by the Racial Equity Institute, this powerful session uses the “groundwater metaphor” to help participants see how racism is embedded in our systems, not just in individual actions. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, civic partner, or community advocate, this training will challenge assumptions, spark important dialogue, and provide a shared framework for advancing equity in meaningful and lasting ways.

Since the launch of our mission in 2018 and now our Equity Imperative 2030 strategic plan, the Indianapolis Foundation has been committed to understanding the impact systemic racism has on communities in Marion County. In partnership with the Groundwater Institute, we will continue to broaden our understanding through Groundwater Institute Workshops. We invite our valued partners, fundholders, and community members to join us on this journey by signing up for an upcoming racial equity workshop. 

Groundwater Immersive Experience

If you are looking for a deeper dive into the groundwater analysis, there is the day-and-a-half immersive seminar. This allows for a small group of individuals to learn and discuss together. You will learn about power structures – a system of self-reinforcing laws, norms, and narratives built over time. In this session, three themes are discussed and connected:

  • Racial inequity looks the same across systems
  • Socio-economic difference does not explain the racial inequity
  • Inequities are caused by systems, regardless of people’s culture or behavior

This session is split up into two days, totaling around 12 hours.

Our next Groundwater Immersive Experience is Mar. 9-10, 2026: Monday, Mar. 9, from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday, Mar. 10, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Please email Rob MacPherson, IF Vice President of Advancement, with any questions.

REGISTER
The Groundwater Approach

GWI program leaders utilize stories and data presented through video modules and facilitated conversations to show that racism is fundamentally structural in nature. The training is centered around the groundwater metaphor, which goes like this: If you see a fish in a lake by your house that is floating belly-up dead, you’ll wonder what happened to that one fish. But, if in that same lake half of the fish are floating belly-up dead, you’ll wonder what’s going on in that lake. Now, imagine five lakes in your neighborhood and in each and every one lots of fish are floating belly-up dead. It’s time to analyze the groundwater feeding all the lakes in your community. This metaphor is designed to help people internalize the reality that we live in a racially structured society using three key truths:

  • Racial inequity looks the same across systems
  • Socioeconomic difference does not explain the racial inequity
  • Inequities are caused by systems regardless of people’s culture of behavior

Each virtual session is three hours.

Please email Rob MacPherson, IF Vice President of Advancement, with any questions.