We honor the labor that got us here.
When talking about institutional capacity, we interrogate what REI work really takes and the fact that Black women in particular often face an undue burden in holding the work.
We value working with an abundance mindset and an openness to possibilities.
We recognize that communities at the margins have always had to discover resources where “there aren’t any” and craft possibilities for thriving without institutional support. We strive for accountability to these communities in the cities where we work and commit to fostering creative, visionary spaces rooted in a pro-Black vision for the future.
Racial equity is a process and an outcome.
We seek to move beyond the binary thinking that suggests there is an “end” or that some cities are “on top” or “more successful” when it comes to racial equity.
When we say community, we name what we mean.
We understand the different relationships communities may have with the city governments we work with. We acknowledge that many people working in city government are part of the community.
We know that racial equity work is a day-today practice of shifting our behaviors and power.
We are committed to:
- Anti-racist principles as outlined by the People’s Institute for Survival & Beyond
- Antidotes to white supremacy culture as outlined by Tema Okun
- Accountability at all levels
- Working together in new, transformational ways
- Continuous learning and improvement