I’ve really been struggling with what to say in response to the unrest gripping our nation and the world. I haven’t personally experienced the injustice that is being protested, and I recognize that’s because I come from a place of privilege. I didn’t want to fumble this issue and come across with a tone deaf statement, but I think it’s more important now that I try to address this and trust that you know I’m doing so out from a place of love and hope for making things better. When I make mistakes (I know I will), let me know so I can get better.
At our core, Bloomerang exists to amplify the effectiveness of those doing good in the world. I want everyone reading this to know that Bloomerang stands against racial inequality and injustice. I want you to know that Bloomerang celebrates people of all colors, creeds, orientations, identities, and backgrounds.
For our employees
I have been doing a lot of reading and learning this week. Things that are long overdue, yes, but I believe it’s the best way I can contribute to moving our society towards a more equitable one. In order to take action, I first want to be sure I understand as much as I can. If you have suggestions on ways we can help, I want to hear them. For those of you that are feeling marginalized, scared, hurt, or the many other feelings I can’t imagine, know that I see you and want to help.
I’m sure there are tons of books we can be reading, but one I’ve seen come up time and time again is How to Be an Antiracist. If anyone wants to read it with me, grab a digital copy and we’ll reimburse you.
We have an Employee Assistance Program available to you, which includes up to three counseling sessions per issue for free.
We have a Gift Matching Program as well. Any gift you make to a qualified 501(c)3 will be matched, up to $200 total per year. If you want to make an impact, Bloomerang will help you double it.
At this time, we are actively searching for a local organization to partner with to help us on an advisory board for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Bloomerang. This is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time, and should have started sooner, but now is a better time than any. I think it’s important to find people outside our organization that can help lead this conversation so it is free from any institutional bias and doesn’t burden our employees of color
For our community
At Bloomerang, we are fortunate enough to have a platform that reaches hundreds of thousands of nonprofit professionals.
Our blog went quiet this past week to make room for listening, and so that we could focus on the following initiatives:
We have created a new page on the Bloomerang website that highlights resources devoted to improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the nonprofit sector. We intend it to be a living library that will be updated on an ongoing basis.
We will commit to sponsoring events and conferences only if speakers from diverse backgrounds are represented. We also strongly recommend events and conferences have the following in place:
- an equity statement
- an accessibility statement
- accessible pricing
We also wish to elevate the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) working in the nonprofit sector. At this time, we are actively seeking articles written by the BIPOC community for our blog. If you would like to contribute an article to our blog, email [email protected]. Guest bloggers will be compensated for their submissions.
This is just a first step, but a necessary one.
All the best, and thanks for all you do to make this world a better place.
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