Dear ,

 

I am writing to you with a special request. Last month, we sent out a fundraising appeal but discovered that most people did not receive that communication. Therefore, we are sending it out again. There are so many amazing positive changes that are happening in our community that we are encouraged. There is a discernible cultural shift that is manifesting in conversations people are having in small and large groups, in myriads of actions ordinary people are taking to combat racism through book clubs and letter-writing campaigns as well as in initiatives we see taken by our elected and charitable institutions.

 

The urgency of the work we are doing cannot be overstated. The recent spate of hate crimes against our Asian community echo the horrific attacks that have been repeatedly perpetrated against African Americans and the Native inhabitants of our country. As long as we cling to a worldview that is divided into “us” and “them”, we will not be rid of the destructive impact of these forces of division and hate. We are living in a very dangerous time. Without concerted effort to create a new narrative of inclusion that has no room for “them” - where the only reality is “us” -  we are doomed to ever more flagrant horrific acts of injustice and oppression. Our counter-narrative is one of justice, equity, inclusion, diversity, and unity. We are encouraged as we can see the early glimmerings of this new narrative beginning to emerge.

 

There are so many victories to celebrate: the new permanent DEI Advisory Committee for our City Council, commitment by the city, our police department and Rotary for police reform, collaboration by the library to educated our citizens about racism, commitment by the School Board to update reading materials in the schools, focused efforts by the Chamber of Commerce to attract minority-own businesses and citizens to our town, and numerous other initiatives by clubs and individuals to change the tenor of our community into one that is welcoming to all and celebrates diversity as a strength, recognizing that it adds beauty to our varied family that reside here.

 

So many of you have commented on the life-changing impact that Respond to Racism has had in your lives. This brings us joy and is a great confirmation for the work we are doing. We are moving closer to that vision of a “model city” where everyone is cherished, supported and encouraged to develop their full potential, where housing, education, employment, and social life are welcoming to all.

 

Even though we see movement in the right direction, clearly we have a long way to go before we see transformation. Respond to Racism is growing rapidly; the number of requests for collaboration have greatly outstripped our capacity to respond. We want to expand and enrich our education and mentorship of children and youth. We want to more effectively serve the real needs of our community members in terms of educational opportunities and support. We are working closely with elected officials and many like-minded organizations to effect change at the structural level. To meet these challenges we need funding. We are working hard to secure grants, but we are also committed to raising our own funds. We need your help.

 

Please consider a monthly commitment - whatever is possible for you - so that we can do this work. While grant funds will help us, we cannot depend on grants alone. Our donors want to see that our supporters and participants are committed and willing to be partners in this important cause. Indeed, it is the most vital and challenging issue facing our country. We will promote racial justice and eventually dismantle racism. It is inevitable. It is our destiny to be one people - E Pluribus Unum, “out of many one.” This work requires commitment and sacrifice. And this time we are living in is turbulent and historic. We are privileged to be the vehicles to promote justice. Please help us realize the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. of that “Promised Land.”

 

We have the goal of raising $30,000 in 2021 or a monthly goal of $2,500. In 2020, contributions were almost $18,000. We know this goal for 2021 will be challenging, especially since we are now in the 4th month, but we can do it! This will allow us to grasp the opportunities before us and get professional assistance to carry out our mission. We need to be able to rely on regular income. We encourage you to consider making a monthly commitment. You can make direct donations to Respond to Racism via a check sent to Respond to Racism at 590 Boca Ratan Dr. Lake Oswego, OR, 97034 or via credit card at the donate button on our website (in the drop down menu, please be sure and indicate the donation is for Respond to Racism).

 

With heartfelt appreciation,

 

Willie B. Poinsette

President, Respond to Racism