River City Youth Ops stands in support of Black Lives Matter. There is no doubt that the events of the past week have underscored the severity and violence of racism experienced every day - in our communities, our country, and across the world. In the midst of a pandemic that is disproportionately impacting communities of color, we are now being called to face the systemic injustice that has been plaguing these same communities for centuries.
We believe that youth have the power to shape their own future. We also believe that because of the institutional and structural racism that has shaped our education, food, political, and social systems in the United States, these futures are at risk. The present moment holds not only an opportunity, but a responsibility to dismantle the systems that perpetuate racism and in their place, build systems that will propel our youth into lives of opportunity, safety, health, and belonging.
As a white-founded organization that remains predominantly white-led, we recognize that we have benefitted as a result of our positionality. We are committed to including, centering, and amplifying voices of color at every level of our organization - youth, staff, volunteers, community partners, and leadership. With an intentional shift away from neutrality and into a space of anti-racism, we hope to become a more just organization, in service of a more just world, and in solidarity with our partner communities.
We will do better. We love you. We are with you.
In peace,
River City Youth Ops Board of Directors
A Message To Our Community
