E5. Racial Equity Tool (RET) Step 4, Part 1: Analyze & Strategize - Root Cause Analysis (v1.0, 06/08/26)

This self-paced online learning module provides an introduction to Step 4, Part 1 of the Racial Equity Tool: Analyze & Strategize - Root Cause Analysis.  Completion of this brief self-paced online module is part of a larger series of steps of the Racial Equity Tool methodology: the Racial Equity Tool's Desired Results, Data, Engaging with Communities, Analysis & Strategies, Implementation Planning, and Evaluation, Accountability, and Communication.  This ~21 minute module includes a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Race Forward’s Government Alliance on Race & Equity (GARE) aims to provide resources and tools to empower government professionals to be proactive advocates for racially equitable outcomes within their organizations and communities. The GARE Racial Equity Tool serves as a framework for discerning if policies, practices, and procedures are contributing to inequitable outcomes. The Racial Equity Tool, Step 4, Part 1: Analyze & Strategize - Root Cause Analysis module can help you identify the root causes of inequities that are experienced by communities.

The Learning Objectives for this course are:
1. Define "root cause analysis" as it applies to identifying drivers of racial inequities.
2. Identify the purpose of a root cause analysis.
3. Explain when a root cause analysis should be implemented in a racial equity tool process.
4. Recognize who needs to be involved in a root cause analysis when identifying drivers of racial inequities.
5. Explain how to complete a root cause analysis when jurisdiction data reflects racial inequities.

A few notes: The following are recommended prerequisite courses for all Racial Equity Tool-related self-paced online learning modules, to help you better understand the context for the RET-related self-paced learning modules:      
1. The Advancing Racial Equity online course: entry level course for understanding context, definitions, and concepts that are the foundation of racial equity work. (If you've taken this course at a previous time in the GARE Learning Center, please let us know at gareselfpaced@raceforward.org so we can check our records.)        
2. (Brief) Overview of the Racial Equity Tool course: provides context/overall framing before moving into the individual steps of a racial equity analysis process.      
3. Shifting to an Equity Mindset (Parts 1 and 2) courses: provide further context and concepts to support understanding/implementing racial equity tools.

* All of these self-paced online modules cover knowledge-based learning, which is only a first step in a larger process toward applying the skills of the Racial Equity Tool methodology on the job.  If you are seeking further support, such as in-person training and/or coaching for employees of your local, regional, or state agency, we invite you to fill out Race Forward's Intake Form in a new tab). You may also email intake@raceforward.org for any questions related to in-person racial equity training, coaching, and other services.