At RISE our hearts and thoughts go out to the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Jacob Blake and Communities of Color. As we have seen again just in the past few weeks, Black America and People of Color continue to be victims of unjust violence at the hands of police and are targeted, marginalized and discounted due to the color of their skin.

This unjust and hateful treatment needs to end.

RISE is committed to challenging racism, inequity, bias and power. In a sector that disproportionately serves children and families of color, and by staff who are primarily white, we know that the work begins with us. At RISE we commit to leaning into our work to be more equitable, inclusive and just.  We will do this through the education and development of ourselves, staff, the Board of Directors and partners, particularly those from white culture. We will do this by leading with our values and adhering to our Diversity Statement. It is our responsibility to be the change that we desire to see and to create a more just and equitable world for People of Color and children.

 As was so eloquently stated by a staff of color,

“We are in the same storm, not in the same boat”.