Dear Members and Friends,

Last month, we shared messages on behalf of The Community Investment Network acknowledging the tragedies and unrest that our global community is currently enduring during an unbelievably complex health pandemic.  The Community Investment Network acknowledges that during these crippling times, it is important to take a moment to be firm on the stance of this organization and its values. 

In response to the injustices related to the recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd at the actions of law enforcement officers and ex-officers, we do not want to mince words.  We condemn the actions that transpired, and because of those events, we continue our call to action. We fully recognize that there are few words to share to calm the feelings of anxiety, anger, frustration, or angst that we share in this moment. However, among our Core Values are Social Justice and Equity and Collective Influence. 

First, we ask our circles and members to be aware of and accept their feelings of anger, sadness, and corresponding anxieties and stresses, so that their personal and mental health is attended to during this time.  From there, we encourage implementing strategic action to combat injustices. Within our core value of Social Justice and Equity, CIN uses philanthropy as a tool to drive social change on issues that directly impact people’s lives, and we encourage our network and members to understand the power of this mechanism for change.  Collective Influence leverages the power of working together, inspiring donors and network members to pool resources, intellectual capital, and dollars to collectively build stronger communities.  

While Black communities are in the midst of recovering from COVID-19's economic impact, we must continue to bring awareness to the needs of our communities during this time. As you work in the community providing essential items and meeting immediate needs, understand that your efforts to support those impacted will help move our communities forward. The Community Investment Network hopes these suggestions will empower your next steps as you act intentionally to work for change by leveraging your time, treasure, talent, and testimony near and far. 

TIME

Take the time to engage within your community through education and collaboration. Learn about the issues from experts within your local community. Take a moment to look up a local organization that fits your values and ways you can support their efforts. Understand the needs they have and consider volunteering  with them or connecting them to partners that can further their cause.  There are many voices that need to be heard, but have not been able to be shared.  Your influence, partnership, and service is powerful.

TALENT

We challenge you to engage with political leaders that are currently in office, and to become aware of those offices up for re-election.  Now is a pivotal time for our community.  We have the opportunity to hold elected officials accountable in every arena.  If you do not have a relationship with local and state leaders, from the governor's office, to your sheriff, to your city councilperson, we encourage you to become involved and hold those elected officials accountable to the events that are happening.  It is our collective work that provides the voice of the community, and the demands needed to make changes that are needed for our people.

TREASURE

Utilize your collective resources to provide financial support to organizations that may be overlooked by traditional philanthropy. Particularly seek or consider those led by people of color, with boots on the ground supporting community organizers, marginalized and vulnerable populations, and those whose focus is on racial healing, police brutality, mental health for people of color, and racial injustice.  

TESTIMONY

We ask for you to courageously continue to act and make known the issues we are fighting for and against.  Create social media awareness campaigns, host educational webinars, and share your personal experiences to create a pathway to education and healing. Share your experiences in love with others that desire knowledge. 

We recognize these suggestions do not encompass all of the ways that we can address these issues and our concerns. However, we know that we all have a role to play during this moment. This moment requires all of us to collectively play our role to transform our world. As you bring your voice to this conversation, and provide action behind those words, we know that the changes we all wish to see will happen.

 We Remain In Service and With You,

Team CIN