We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts must:

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• Be lived through sustained action and a clear organizational guidance system with accountable, measurable objectives and milestones that enable us to account for progress and areas for improvement (see Equity Guidance and Development Plan).

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• Require us to create education and action opportunities within and outside of our organization that are anti-racist, that work against inequity and systemic racism, and crimes of hate against Black people, people of color, indigenous people and all people who are subjected to discrimination in the forms of racism, sexism, heterosexism (homophobia), ageism, ableism, classism, xenophobia, religious prejudice and other forms of oppression.

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• Affirm that Black Lives Matter, and acknowledge the present-day damage and intergenerational trauma that has occurred for millions of Americans from centuries of oppression and the legacy of slavery and genocide in the U.S.

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• Require us to stay fully present and self-reflective in our responsibility for and awareness of conscious or unconscious benefit and bias from the systems of white supremacy and oppression that exist and our integral role in deconstructing these systems and structures to create a more equitable, vibrant, regenerative, diverse and peaceful world.

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We accept the path of continual learning that a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion requires. We understand that we will make mistakes and that short term set-backs may happen, but that they are the set-up for long term growth and change. We will move forward, review, and assess our practices and progress and do our best to improve as we learn. We intend to share with our board, volunteers, and community as we evolve.