EWB-RMP is proud to be a part of an organization that fully supports the Black Lives Matter movement. Here is what EWB-USA has pledged to do to take action:
“We want to ensure that our statements go beyond just words by transforming them into meaningful and sustained action. We pledge to take specific steps to become an inclusive, anti-racist organization. In order to do this, we are:
Ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion will be at the forefront of our 5 year strategic plan.
Establishing a committee to identify actionable steps we can take as an organization. Our goal is to include a diverse set of voices from a variety of our stakeholder groups, including staff, volunteers, the board, our partners, and beyond.
Spotlighting Black Lives Matter, diversity and inclusion, and the role EWB-USA can play in addressing and combatting colonialism and the white savior complex in our work, in the forthcoming Town Hall Buzz. (You can still register for July’s Town Hall Buzz, our monthly event for need-to-know organizational updates, questions and connecting with staff and fellow volunteers.)
Expanding our partnership with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) with a newly signed MoU, and continuing to explore additional partnerships with engineering associations serving historically underrepresented minority populations and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Amplifying voices of underrepresented people within the EWB-USA community (volunteers, staff, partner communities and organizational representatives) through our storytelling, newsletters, and educational courses. This includes elevating the lived experiences of our partner communities.
Reevaluating and/or establishing EWB-USA policies and practices to ensure they align with our values.
Committing to better educate ourselves by providing racial identity development and implicit bias training as well as resources for all staff and EWB-USA leaders.
This is just the beginning. We are committed to doing this vital work and making EWB-USA a more equitable, welcoming, and inclusive organization.”
Read the full response from EWB-USA’s CEO Cathy Leslie: https://www.ewb-usa.org/ewb-usa-responds/.