In societies around the world, history continues to be a prime target of those seeking to polarize communities for political gain. In October, teachers in Texas were instructed to provide “opposing viewpoints” of the Holocaust, a move that mirrors a disturbing trend across the globe but particularly in America, where
28 states have introduced legislation to restrict education on racism, bias and the contributions of minorities to U.S. history. In other settings, such as Afghanistan, the lived experiences of marginalized groups are being effectively erased, as girls and women are barred from schools and government.
When history is manipulated, inequality and injustice prevail. Sites of Conscience remind us there is a better way. Our vital programs – in place at over 300 sites in more than 65 countries – support museums and historic sites to amplify voices that have been left out of history books, museum collections and public discourse.
This year, to offer just one example, in Philadelphia –
where peaceful protestors were attacked by police officers after George Floyd’s death – the Coalition awarded Arch Street Meeting House, a historic Quaker site, funds to conduct a series of community meetings with activists, social justice leaders and local law enforcement to foster healing and promote a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.
Only through programs like these can truth — in all its fullness — be revealed and justice prevail. But we don’t stop there. Our unique strength as a network means that we share lessons learned from these local initiatives, ensuring maximum global impact.
This year we hosted a Global Summit that brought together 125 Sites of Conscience leaders from over 40 countries to learn new skills to protect the rights of women, LGBTQ+ communities, religious minorities, and other marginalized racial and ethnic groups by identifying root causes of injustice
and acting to counter them through programs that promote social cohesion, violence prevention and civic engagement. The Coalition then provided extensive training in advocacy through graphic arts and digital media, along with grants to fund more than 20 pilot projects in nine countries across Africa, Asia and Europe.
No one else is doing this work in quite this way — and we need your support to continue. Please join us in this global movement to defend memory, truth and justice by making your most generous gift today. Sites of Conscience at their best remind us that we are stronger when we work together.
Your support today ensures a better world tomorrow.
With deepest gratitude,
