Careers That Make A Difference In Minority Communities

A social service specialist at work

Editor’s Note: From time to time, we publish original guest blogs on topics relevant to the mission of our nonprofit. This article was written exclusively for the Humanity Project by Rebecca Jenna, a freelance writer based in the United Kingdom.

by Rebecca Jenna

When it comes to equality, the United States still has a long way to go. Valerie Wilson, a director at the Economic Policy Institute, points out that racial inequality has become so normalized that individuals from different races have vastly disparate lives. If you want to become part of the push for equal opportunities for all genders, races and more, here are some useful careers:

Social Service Specialist

Minority communities often lack access to necessary services and resources due to racial and gender-based barriers. The good news is that social service professionals can eradicate these gaps by serving as a bridge. Social service specialists connect individuals with services that they require from hospitals, government institutions and nonprofits. Their training in sociology is crucial to their understanding of social systems, which is why these professionals continue to serve on the frontlines of communities in need. Working in social services helps ensure that minority community members can improve the quality of their lives.

Health Equity Expert

Health disparities persist due to the inaccessibility of healthcare services or even due to the biases of healthcare professionals. Recognizing these disparities, medical experts are pushing for health equity education. Health equity experts transform lives by educating healthcare professionals about the negative health outcomes caused by systemic racism and bias. Training in health equity can advance inclusivity by enlightening healthcare professionals regarding conditions among various races. This important work will help you improve the quality of care that minorities receive.

Policy Analyst

Public policies and legislation can serve as protections for minority communities. Consequently, there's a greater need for policy analysts focused on studying and improving the lives of these communities. Policy analysts can increase the government’s awareness regarding minority communities by creating persuasive reasons to adopt new policy initiatives. Those in this field recommend studying political science since this teaches students how the legislative process works, a crucial background to help pass legislation that protects the ancestral lands, the safety and the quality of life of minorities.

Now that you've learned about these careers, how would you like to start making a positive change in communities?