Thursday, Jan 14th 2021  

Acknowledging our origins and commitment to inclusive growth as an anti-racist movment. Read more about our Restorative Justice efforts and be part of the change. 

An update from the team leading our Restorative Justice efforts in last month's open letter to BIPOC activists.

First, I am happy you're here. One thing I know about each and everyone of you is that you value life and you don't take it for granted. What we've experienced this week is a collective moment of part shock, part triggers, part frustration and fatigue. But we cannot forget the victories; in a state where voter suppression is real, the people came together and elected the first African-American man and a Jewish man to represent Georgia in the US Senate.

Life holds the things that are working with the things that are tragic every day. What we are privileged with is the ability to recognize both things can exist in the same space. How we respond to those things requires a moment to reflect.

For full transparency, our team was challenged as well and we needed a moment to digest what was happening. We needed to check in on our friends who work on Capitol Hill, on our loved ones who live in spaces where white supremist terrorism is far too common, and to those who are still in spaces where violence is a daily struggle, even if it doesn't make the news. Checking in on those who matter (because we all matter) takes time. We hope this week afforded that time to love and be loved.

Over the next four months, we will be working with March For Our Lives in a variety of ways, supporting what is already in motion, and providing guidance on ways to deepen equity, safety and intentionality. You all have made it to year three, so we want to honor the journey, with both the triumphs and the trials. Ultimately, we seek restoration, clarity and transformation.

Here's what to expect from us:

Starting this week, we will begin our path towards healing, listening and accountability. We encourage everyone to fill out this survey. As our team works with MFOL's administrators to finalize dates, we ask that you use the week to not only sit with your experiences, but also the transformation that has already occurred in your life over the last 2-3 years. We'll get back to that in this process.

We know progress is contingent on how well our accountability systems are and how we respond to conflict. We will share best practices on non-punitive means to address misunderstandings, conflict resolution strategies for liberators and what boundary-setting looks like when harm is breached.

We want you all to prioritize rest and frequent 15mins periods of detachment from tools that don't center your wellness. We also share this video on transformative justice because it provides a primer of what it is, and what it seeks to accomplish. This video should not be interpreted as a literal interpretation of what we will experience; more like a 101 (with cool activist people, like you).

Have an amazing, safe week. And congratulate yourselves for building the vision you all deserve.

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As a reminder, here is the survey mentioned above to fill out- it took only 2 mins and was a necessary first step for me beginning to reflect on the origins of our community here at MFOL. Everything is confidential and you do not have to include your name. We ask that you share your insights ideally by this Saturday, January 16.