Dear Friends,

The recent killing of George Floyd as well as other instances of attacks on unarmed black citizens in our nation continue to drive outrage and calls for action by people of all cultural backgrounds.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” As individuals and as an organization, we must stand up against acts of intolerance. As an organization whose vision is to end the cycle of violence, we feel compelled to condemn injustice and discrimination and to reaffirm our commitment to live by our values and cultivate a workplace that makes diversity, equity, and inclusion priorities – a workplace that sets an example for our community. These social and racial injustice incidents are yet another reminder that we must continue to listen and learn from one another in safe and inclusive environments – and with respect for different perspectives and backgrounds.

We can do this by solidifying our obligation of diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels, with the goal of elucidating a deep understanding as to why we engage in our work together and why racial, gender, and LGBTQ equity is central to our success as an organization.

As always, feel free to reach out to me directly if you would like to learn more or would like to have a conversation on how we can move the needle toward positive racial and social justice.

In the meantime, please continue to stay safe and well.

With Appreciation,

Mark