The following framework is extracted from an October 2008 draft of the Compact for Racial Justice, Applied Research Center:

1. Focus on structural racism and systemic inequality rather than simply personal prejudice. Structural racism—the overarching system of racial hierarchy and inequality that routinely privileges whites and disadvantages people of color—profoundly affects most issues and institutions in the U.S. It is rarely understood or acknowledged. Analyzing and articulating social issues in the context of structural racism addresses historic underpinnings and root causes. It also speaks to the cumulative and compounding institutional impacts, cultural norms and popular ideas that contribute to current racial inequities.
   
   
2. Focus on impacts rather than intentions. Racism does not require intent. Most racial inequality is produced unconsciously and replicated unintentionally. Racially disparate impacts and outcomes, regardless of intent, are sufficient evidence that racism exists. Impacts can be documented, while intentions are debatable and difficult to prove. It’s more useful to examine the causes and effects of racism than to dwell on who’s a racist. Intentions matter, but it is the outcomes of racist policies, rules or practices that people of color endure on a daily basis.
   
   
3. Address racial inequality explicitly but not necessarily exclusively. Racism must be illuminated in order to be eliminated. Colorblindness seeks to ignore race and deny the realities of racism. Silence on racism amounts to complicity. Exposing racism involves explicitly naming, framing and explaining it. Create a complete and compelling story that illustrates the racism, supported by a variety of credible evidence and clear explanation. It is import to address racism explicitly, but not exclusively. Often other significant factors are involved that must also be made visible, such as gender, class, ethnicity and immigrant status.
   
   
4. Propose solutions that emphasize equity and inclusion rather than diversity. Racism is pervasive, but it need not be permanent. Offer proactive solutions that are equitable, inclusive and viable. It is important to distinguish the principle of equity, which is fairness, from that of diversity, which is about variety.
   
   
5. Develop strategies to empower stakeholders and target institutional powerholders. Build inclusive and cohesive cross-racial alliances, with an emphasis on fully engaging and empowering people of color as leaders. Address differences and build trust so that common interests are not undermined by competing interests or racial divisions. Hold accountable for institutional racism the powerholders who have decision-making authority to enact needed changes. Whether or not the powerholders caused the problem, and regardless of their race, they can still be held accountable to solve it.
   
   
6. Make racial justice a high priority in all social justice efforts. Without conscious and active efforts to counteract racism, it is unintentionally replicated, even by progressive organizations, which then wonder why they cannot attract more people of color to their ranks. A successful movement for social justice must fully engage and empower people of color in leadership. The struggle for racial justice is not a zero sum game. Achieving racial justice will also result in the advancement of the social welfare of many whites. For example, low-income whites lose welfare benefits when racialized images are used to dismantle public benefits. Racial justice is a central component of social justice.